It was a public holiday today (yes, another one). Japan's 'Foundation Day', when the country was established, according to legend. Or something.
I had some errands to run downtown today and it looked like people were focussed on other legends. Valentine's Day is a huge commercial venture in Japan. Huge. And it is not women's favour. For many years, there has been this custom of 'giri chocolate', chocolates which women are obliged to give men...whether they like them or not. Mostly co-workers and the like. Everywhere you look, there are chocolates more than usual.
Payback comes on 'White Day', a month later when men ought to return the favour, but are not obliged to do so.
As I walked through Ikebukuro this afternoon on my errands, I came across the last few verses of an operatic performance...
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| Going for atmosphere |
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| Standing under the |
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| A little serenade |
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| Roses are...pink? |
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| Take a seat, anywhere |
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| Underwhelmed |
...along with all the trimmings. Not quite sure what sort of mood it is supposed to put you in but at least it was an effort to go beyond the usual chocolate of obligation. Perhaps the actual day will be more exciting. Don't ask me, I'll be at work, not giving out chocolate.
[Camera : Lumix TZ-85, 4.14pm-4.17pm; 11 February 2017]
