Entrance to chocolate floor decorated with ballons

Valentines craze and pastry in Japan (14.2.09)

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March 15th 2009
A lot of things are different in Japan and so is the celebration of Valentines. It is not the flowers that are given, but pralines and chocolates. And not the men are supposed to surprise the women, it is opposite. The women have to take care of their loved ones and not only this. Also male office colleagues are treated with some sweets. So there are a lot of different pralines on offer. Expensive ... read more

Asia » Japan

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In 1603, a Tokugawa shogunate (military dictatorship) ushered in a long period of isolation from foreign influence in order to secure its power. For 250 years this policy enabled Japan to enjoy stability and a flowering of its indigenous culture. Fol... ... read more