First I would like to thank whoever “Pisipisi” me to show their support for the Willamette World News. It reminds me that last year some people danced and sang “Chocolate Disco” to show their support toward V-day’s articles. What is “Chocolate Disco”? It is a cute song about interactions between girls and boys on Valentine’s Day in Japan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JjV71fWq_s

So two boys cutely sang and danced in part of it. It was awesome.
Anyway, before I give a critical analysis about that, I would like to introduce how the “Valentine’s System” works in Japan.
The Japanese are very organized and will wait in lines for almost everything, so there are certain chocolates for certain groups of people.
-義理チョコ(Giri Choco): are for coworkers, parents, classmates, and so on. Giri means obligation.
-本命チョコ(Honmei Choco): are for the one you want to date. Honmei literally does not mean that but could be translated to “true love.” –> “He’s my Honmei” could translate to “He’s the one I truly like.”
On Valentine’s Day it is common for girls to give boys chocolates. Boys will return that favor to girls on March 14th on the so-called White Day. But recently, it has become common for boys to give girls chocolates on Valentine’s Day instead. Those chocolate are called 逆チョコ(Gyaku Choco). Gyaku means opposite.
Some of my friends tell me that they think the idea of Honmei Choco is so romantic. Girls take the time to make the chocolate. They are nervous and worried on Valentine’s, about finding the right time to give out the chocolate and being brave and saying it loudly for the true love. This whole bitter-sweet process is beautiful and romantic for them and they wish the US had some traditions like that on Valentine’s Day.
Now I hate to be a dream breaker, like the one who tells you that Santa Claus does not exist, but the actions of giving out Honmen Choco are only common in junior high and high schools — when people are young and spontaneous. It is a beautiful memory for the youth.
However, once people step into society, Valentine’s Day is no more than an obligation. They have to buy a dozen of Giri Choco for their employers and coworkers. It does not mean they stop falling in love after they become adults. But it does become relatively difficult for them to give out Honmei Choco and risk their social reputations for the true love.
Sadly once we become adults, we are more afraid to face failures or rejections. So back to the topic, the most popular one on Valentine’s Day this year in Japan is, not a boy or a girl, or a human being. It is a…. doll who received 224 chocolates on Valentine’s Day.

That was the news I read on Valentine’s Day. He is called “Hiko-nyan,” and he’s popular on V-day. He received 186 chocolates last year. Some people gave him a toothbrush this year so that our “Hiko-nyan” would not get cavity after eating all those chocolates.
What? No, the Japanese are not crazy. It makes sense. “Hiko-nyan” is a doll that will only smile, only say thank you, only receives and appreciates. The best part about “Hiko-nyan” is that he never speaks, so he will never reject you. Japanese are shy or in other words, they’re careful of showing themselves.
I aplologize that the entire article is too close to the cruel real world while the Valentine’s Day is supposed to be a dreamy day. So I would like to give back your good mood, and hope this will help:

It is very educational. It is a …song(?) about the states’ names in Japan.