In Japan, Valentine’s Day is observed by members of the female gender who present chocolate gifts (either store-bought or handmade), usually to a member of the male gender, as an expression of love. The handmade chocolate is usually preferred by the receiver, because it is a sign that the receiving male is the girl’s “only one”.

On White Day, the converse happens: males who received a “honmei-choco” chocolate of love or “Giri-choco“ chocolate of courtesy on Valentine’s Day are expected to return the favor by giving gifts, usually more expensive. Sometimes the term sanbai gaeshi (literally, “thrice the return”) is used to describe the generally recited rule that the return gift should be two to three times the cost of the Valentine’s gift.

The shops were buzzing Friday night with last minute shoppers, myself included, the last thing you want to do is arrive home. or wherever else you may need to go, empty handed.