Welcome to The Avocado’s weekly discussion of Japanese pop culture! Happy Valentine’s Day! To be honest, I never gave much thought to Valentine’s Day before I started watching anime and reading manga. But now I see it is as one of my favorite holidays and beloved moments in a romance story, and as an opportunity to make chocolates to express my love! Watching the characters in my favorite manga fret over what kind of chocolate to make, whether or not they should buy it instead, unsure if they should give it to the object of their affection at all, and either not being able to deliver the chocolate or finally going through with it (and getting to see the look on the person’s face as they receive the chocolate!!!)…I love it all! It makes perfect sense to me that so many romance stories focus on this day, especially in shoujosei manga, because it’s a perfect opportunity to allow the characters to really focus on their feelings, expressing that perfect mix of excitement and uncertainty that gets their (and my) heart racing. And then there’s the building up to the moment of the delivery, the anticipation, wondering how the other person will react, will it lead to a confession, or will something (or someone) get in the way? Will they even understand the chocolate as an expression of love (本命チョコ honmei-choko)??? And for established couples, it’s also chance for the mangaka to give readers some adorably romantic moments as they celebrate their relationship together. Ah…my romance-loving heart can only take so much!
Of course, that’s not the only kind of chocolate to be given on this special day. It’s also so wonderful to me when characters give chocolates to their friends (友チョコ tomo-choko), expressing their gratitude for one another. So sweet! And, of course, you can always enjoy chocolate you buy or make for yourself (マイチョコ mai-choco)! And it doesn’t even need to be chocolate. Get whatever treat makes you smile!
Whatever your day is like, know that I appreciate you and your presence in this thread! Thank you for hanging out with me every week!
And, as always…
What have you been watching/reading/playing/eating/listening to lately?
Happy Wednesday! 🙂