Next month we will celebrate ‘Tokyo in August’ offering various goods and delectables collected during the latest visit to Japan. We are exploring the culture as we prepare to host our upcoming event. As a card company, we are intrigued to discover how the Japanese celebrate love on Valentine’s Day.
Here’s a little insight to Valentine’s Day traditions in Japan :
For Valentine’s Day in Japan women traditionally give chocolates to men. There are two types of chocolates, “Giri-choco” (obligation chocolate), and “Honmei-choco” (true love chocolate). Giri-choco is meant to be for friends, Honmei-choco is given to a boyfriend, lover, or husband. A month later, the men respond with a much larger gift of white chocolate, marshmallows, jewelry, or white clothes, called White Day. The color white represents pure love.
Last week we were graced with the presence of an enthusiastic group of traveling executive scouts from Hanshin Department Store in Osaka, Japan, for their upcoming Valentine’s Day event that will feature Portland goods early next year. Pictured above, letterpress printer, Daniela explains our labor of love.
Along with Oblation Papers and Press, the group visited Will Leather Goods and planned to check out Chizo Cheese Bar.
During their exploration, the group wanted to know what makes Portland tick. When they asked Oblation owners Ron and Jennifer, “Why is Portland so open-minded and traveler-friendly?” Jennifer replied that it must have to do with our historical pioneer spirit, and the interior sunshine we’re forced to cultivate here during the rainy months. And, according to Ron, it’s the kale. We like to eat healthily in Portland and kale is our superfood of choice.
That’s it :
Interior Sunshine and Kale.
A warm thank you, to the executive scouts from Hanshin Department Store, you brought us a little extra sunshine during your visit.
