#Japan #Tokyo #Sanrio #Meiji #Sailor Moon

Celebrating Friendship on Valentine's Day

As Valentine's Day approaches, high school girls are making waves with the rising trend of friend chocolates (friendship chocolates), and recent statistics reveal this phenomenon has almost doubled since the pandemic era. According to a comprehensive survey, the number of girls crafting handmade chocolates for their friends surged significantly from 36.3% during the pandemic to 79.5% in 2025. Similarly, the enthusiasm toward expressing appreciation to parents has also increased, showcasing how Valentine's Day is evolving into a special occasion for family bonding as well.

The Rise of Handmade Treats

In recent findings, approximately 39.5% of respondents mentioned creating handmade chocolates or snacks for their loved ones in 2025, indicating a continual increase over the past three years. The favorite homemade delicacies include chocolate gateaux, truffles, and chocolate brownies, showcasing a growing preference for chocolate-based goodies.

Notably, the handmade chocolate trend reveals a delightful joy, as the act of creating these gifts not only allows for personalization and creativity but also serves as a form of emotional therapy. Experts emphasize the soothing effects of chocolate-making, where the process itself can bring joy and fulfillment, and the consumption of such treats contributes to overall happiness.

Collaborations to Elevate the Valentine's Experience

In response to this resurgence, Meiji Co., Ltd., renowned for its confectionery products, has initiated exciting collaborations. This year, their delightful partnership with Sanrio characters and the 'Sailor Moon' franchise elevates the Valentine's experience, enticing fans with limited-edition packaging and exclusive chocolate molds.

Starting January 6, 2026, customers purchasing three bars of Meiji chocolate will receive a themed chocolate mold, making it easy to create cute shapes inspired by beloved Sanrio characters. This promotion is set to ignite creativity among chocolate makers, allowing them to craft adorable chocolates while indulging in nostalgia.

Additionally, a series of engaging video recipes in collaboration with Tastemade Japan will launch on January 19, promoting three unique and easy-to-follow chocolate recipes. From gummy chocolates to whimsical marshmallow mansion chocolates, these videos are designed to inspire budding confectioners.

Valentine's Day’s Meaning Beyond Chocolates

A deeper analysis of the survey results also sheds light on the evolving significance of Valentine's Day among young individuals. Approximately 26.3% of respondents consider the day as a chance to reaffirm love and care towards partners, while 20.6% articulate it as an opportunity to express gratitude to those who have impacted their lives. This shift indicates that Valentine's Day is viewed with a broader perspective, extending beyond romantic interests to encompass friendships and familial ties.

Moreover, the delightful experience of crafting and giving chocolates also resonates emotionally, suggesting that the tradition is rooted in heartfelt expression—be it amongst friends, family, or sweethearts.

Conclusion

With the exciting initiatives lined up by Meiji, including hashtag movements like `#月にかわってチョコっとごほうびよ` and engaging ASMR content showcasing the satisfying sounds of chocolate-making, there’s no better time to prepare for a memorable Valentine's Day. Embrace the joy of chocolate-making, explore innovative recipes, and indulge in the sweet experience that solidifies relationships, irrespective of age or connection. Valentine's Day is surely shaping up to be a celebration of love, creativity, and warmth in 2026!