Happy Valentine's Day!

In Japan we have two days to give chocolate to loved ones; Valentine's Day and White Day. I personally like to eat chocolate every day, but for this article let's look at the different types of chocolate we have here for valentines day. From matching with matcha chocolate or using yuzu flavours to show your love, we have got you covered with all the different types available. 

How is it different from ordinary chocolate?

Wafū Chocolate (Japanese Chocolate) comes in beautiful shapes and tastes. Much like in Japanese Tea Ceremonies, Japan has created beautiful designs to represent the season or feelings that you wish to present. I have seen designs from the classic heart to flowers and even fans made out of chocolate.

Thus, every year companies bring out a variety of designs and flavoured chocolate to entice us. This year’s recommendations are the timeless matcha (a type of green tea) and yuzu (a beautifully zesty citrus fruit) flavoured chocolates. But what other interesting flavours are out there?

Introducing Japanese-style chocolate with unusual appearance and ingredients.

For a simple but decadent chocolate recommendation, we recommend Nama Chocolate which is a beautiful, truffle type chocolate in Japan. This creamy delight is sure to brighten anyone’s day, though it is incredibly rich so only a piece or two will suffice… or won’t, we don’t judge how much chocolate you want to eat. 

As for fun chocolates, KitKat and Pocky are classic valentines gifts as they are cheap and cheerful! Around this time of year, there are themed flavours for many chocolate brands, in the past, we have had ruby chocolate, strawberry chocolate and even “Sublime” Chocolate, an attempt to make KitKats' fancier. 

But what if you want something more exciting or unique?

Not only are there the classic matcha and yuzu flavours, but you can also find shiso, umeboshi or soy infused chocolate! Which one would you like to try?

Japan has a variety of chocolate styles to try, if you are ever stuck as to what to make, check out the shopping malls. There are many events on where you can find chocolate in interesting shapes and sizes to spark joy in you or your partners’ life.

If you are looking for more funky and modern designs there are companies that make chocolate shaped lipsticks or fruit that when broken become individual segments. How clever is that! 

In Japan, we put a lot of effort into our packaging! But don’t worry if you can’t make your own or wrap, as loads of stores around the country have beautifully made chocolates to try, and if you are on a budget, as stated earlier, you can find limited edition brand chocolates to share your feelings with.

The delicate Wafū Chocolate are can be wrapped in beautiful papers using traditional patterns and designs to link the culture of Japan with the modernness of valentines day, creating a chic present to give your partner this coming valentines day. 

Conclusion

There is a wide range of flavours to explore and try this year! I wonder what interesting chocolates you will enjoy. Though 2021 is a strange year for love, go get yourself your favourite chocolates and treat yourself to a lovely night!