The chocolates for colleagues or friends without love is called 'giri choco' which literally means 'duty choco'.This is a concern for the men who have no chance to receive it at this period so this is also to make them happy!
Some young women like to make chocolates on their own so there are many kinds of recipe books of homemade chocolates in the book shops.
When I was in Singapore,I attended an English class.The young British teacher showed us a small gift.It was a cute looking red purse which was prepared for his girlfriend at that time.
Only then did I realise that in other countries,men would also give presents and flowers to their girlfriends.It was one kind of cultural shock for me as I've been believing the custom of men receiving from women as a common worldwide procedure.How naive!
Now I think that this custom may express our unique feelings and culture as most of us in Japan are Buddhists but we still like to join in and have fun on this western festive day.
The teacher also gave us copies of articles of the Saint Valentine's Day.
It is a comment that the Japanese women are affected by commercialism of the confectionery companies.
We've the tendency to do the same things at the same time and this may support the benefit of the chocolate companies.
My friend (50), will give her sons chocolate around 300yen each , for colleagues 200-300 yen and her boss around 500 yen to show her gratitute .
I asked her 'how about your husband?'
She answered,'Oh! I forgot, maybe 100yen?
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