Giri Choco

Yes, another Velentine’s Day…which means I got more “giri choco” from some of my students.

What is giri choco, you ask? Well, “giri” means “obligation” and “choco” is the Japanese abbreviation for “chocolate.” (obligation chocolate..get it? there are also obligatory drinking parties and other ways they take the fun out of things!)

Basically, they have a weird way of celebrating Valentine’s Day. On Valentine’s Day, women give men chocolate. And if, as a man, you are a boss or a teacher, your co-workers and/or students will give you chocolate (out of obligation).

Then, one month later, March 14th, is “White Day.” That is the day when men may or may not give chocolate back to women. I still don’t quite get the point…I’ve heard men only give chocolate back if they like the women..but then I have also heard that if a man is a high-level boss, and his subordinates give him chocolate, he has to give a much more expensive gift back. I’m sorry to say I don’t know. (Well, actually, I’m not really all that interested. Especially since no one can give me a concise explanation, and I am not motivated to go research it.)

At any rate, I got a few boxes of Belgian chocolate. I also got some French chocolate (though it was made in Germany.) As most of you probably know, Japanese make really good chocolate.

Here’s wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day. Hope you get a lot of great chocolate, like I did!