News On Japan

The Decline of 'Giri-Choco'

Workplace Valentine's Traditions Wane

TOKYO, Feb 07 (News On Japan) - Say goodbye to the old ways, as the Valentine tradition of giving obligatory chocolates to your bosses and co-workers goes out the window, with a survey revealing that the practice of giving 'giri-choco' has reached its lowest point.

In anticipation of Valentine's Day on February 14th, a survey Nippon Life Insurance conducted the survey among approximately 19,000 of its male and female policyholders, finding that 37.6% of respondents plan to give gifts, marking a 3.1 percentage point increase from last year.

The average amount spent on gifts slightly decreased to ¥3,238, down from last year's ¥3,324. The most common recipients of gifts were "spouses/partners," accounting for 66.2% of all gifts given.

However, the trend of giving gifts to "coworkers" has declined to its lowest level at 14.1% since the survey started in 2020, highlighting a clear shift away from the practice of "giri-choco" or obligatory chocolate gifting.

Regarding the notion of presenting gifts to colleagues or business associates, 72.1% of respondents felt it was "somewhat unnecessary" or "unnecessary."

Naoko Kuga, a senior researcher at NLI Research Institute, commented on the fading tradition of giri-choco, attributing it partly to the rise of teleworking. She analyzed that despite the inflation and the need to economize on food and daily necessities, many people are still willing to allocate a regular budget for this once-a-year non-routine expense. This insight suggests a changing perspective towards Valentine's Day gifting, reflecting broader shifts in workplace culture and personal spending priorities.

Source: ANN

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Nagahama, a city steeped in history and culture, is home to numerous sites connected to the legacy of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. From Nagahama Castle, where visitors can view Hideyoshi’s handwritten documents and the scenery he once gazed upon, to Kunitomo, a major center of firearm production that supported Japan’s unification, the area offers a rich tapestry of historical insights.

A yellow dust storm originating in China has led to the first warning of the year, with forecasts predicting its arrival in Japan, particularly in Hokkaido and the Tohoku region.

For over half a century, Nagasaki Prefecture has waged a relentless battle against biker gangs, groups known for their reckless, illegal street racing that disturbed public order and endangered lives. Now, after years of intensified crackdowns, Nagasaki police have announced the virtual eradication of biker gangs, culminating in the recent disbandment of the last remaining group in January 2025.

Construction has begun on a fence under the Glico sign in Osaka's Minami district, known as 'Gurishita,' to prevent loitering and address crime-related issues.

North Safari Sapporo, which brands itself as 'Japan's most dangerous zoo,' has announced it will close at the end of September, after operating for two decades despite being in an urban planning control zone where development is restricted.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Society NEWS

The Japanese city of Kamaishi was almost entirely destroyed in the earthquake and ensuing tsunami of 2011. It was the biggest natural disaster to hit Japan, killing nearly 20,000 people. (Al Jazeera)

People across Japan are remembering tens of thousands of lives lost 14 years ago.

North Safari Sapporo, which brands itself as 'Japan's most dangerous zoo,' has announced it will close at the end of September, after operating for two decades despite being in an urban planning control zone where development is restricted.

The 17th World Scallop Fishing Championship took place in Toyoura, Hokkaido, a town known for its thriving scallop farming industry.

A car carrying two people mounted a utility pole support in Tokyo’s Shinagawa Ward’s Osaki area on Saturday afternoon.

A 28-year-old unemployed man has been arrested for attacking a man from behind with a jump kick and stealing his bag on a street in Takatsuki, Osaka. A security camera captured the entire incident.

The Nagoya High Court has ruled that Japan’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, upholding a lower court decision in a case filed by a same-sex couple from Aichi Prefecture.

A surge in the resale of 'Manhole Cards,' collectible cards featuring designs of local manhole covers distributed for free by municipalities, has angered collectors and local governments. Some cards are being resold for as much as 100,000 yen, prompting concerns over fairness and the original intent behind the initiative.