For the Discerning Chocolate Lover──
New Faces from 18 Select Brands

Feature: How to Enjoy Valentine's Day 2014

Valentine's Day is a time for lovers to whisper sweet nothings. Its origins trace back to the Roman Empire. Over time, it evolved from a day for lovers to one for giving gifts to family and friends, and other loved ones. In Japan, in particular, it has become strongly associated with giving chocolate. From mid-January, the words "Valentine's" and "chocolate" appear everywhere, and the fervor grows each year. The sheer intensity of it all might even leave some people feeling a bit weary of Valentine's Day itself.


But if you're a chocolate enthusiast, we invite you to view this Valentine's commercial rush from a different perspective. At this time of year, chocolates from around the world converge in Japan. Brands not yet available in Japan arrive only for this season, and limited-edition products are released exclusively during this period. For true chocolate connoisseurs, it's a dreamlike festival. Here, we've selected new creations from 18 highly recommended patisseries and chocolatiers. Enjoy them alone, savoring each bite. Share the joy with friends, tasting and comparing. Or, express your love with a gift for someone special. Embrace this annual chocolate festival in your own way.

Edited by TANAKA Junko (OPENERS)