[jackbl]

I will give chocolates to colleagues on Valentine’s Day
================================================== =====
When I first came to HCMC, I was surprised that there are big differences between Valentine’s Day in Japan and Vietnam.

For example, in Vietnam, a man would give sweets, flowers or gifts to his ladybut in Japan, it is only the women who give presents (mainly chocolates) to men. In my opinion, Japanese women are usually too shy to express their love in daily life (it might not be true nowadays though). That is why Valentine's Day was thought to be a great opportunity to let women express their emotions. Now the chocolate companies in Japan sell more than half of their annual sales during the week before Valentine's Day. Men are supposed to return gifts to women on a day called "White Day" (March 14th), a Japanese creation.

Women give chocolates not only to their loved ones ("A true love" chocolate is called "Honmei-choko"), they also give "Giri-choko" (the chocolate given to male bosses, colleagues or friends that women have no romantic interest in) just for friendship or gratitude. The concept of "giri" is very Japanese. It is a mutual obligation that the Japanese follow when dealing with other people. If someone does you a favor, then you feel obligated to do something for that person.

Asa man, I have never done anything on Valentine’s Day. Fortunately, I’ve been able to receive some chocolates every year when I was in Japan. This will be my Valentine’s Day in Vietnam. Since I am single at present, I don’t have the opportunity to give something special to my girl. I could just give some "Giri-choko" to my employees and female business partners. Also, I might go to my favorite shop, Flower Box, on Hai Ba Trung Street (District 1) to buy bouquets of flowers to give to the girls I adore.

Honestly speaking, I do not think my Valentine’s Day alone will be boring and lonely. Preferably, I will spend the evening working or reading a favorite book.

As far as I know, there are people who decide to share their lonely hearts with the poor, at charity events and the like, on this occasion. To me, participating in these social activities is good, but we do not need to try to spend our time with someone just to forget our loneliness in real life. Be patient and be confident in yourself. Someone ideal will come to you eventually when you know how to take care of yourself optimistically and wisely.

Hiroyuki Okamoto (CEO, Sunrise Advertising Solutions Co., Ltd.)