Every year, the mention of February often brings to mind one irresistible treat—Valentine's chocolate. It used to be a major event, the annual "Chocolate Rhapsody," where we frantically searched for the perfect gifts for our loved ones, coworkers, and others. The tradition had women running around town, hunting for the best chocolates, even before the New Year’s festivities had ended.
But now, in the Reiwa era, Valentine’s chocolate has evolved. It’s no longer just about giving to loved ones of a specific gender or age (or at least, that’s what I hope). Today, more people are generously gifting chocolates, even to themselves, thinking, "Why not treat myself?" What’s more, we’ve entered an age where everyone craves “essential deliciousness and true quality.”
Indeed, when choosing Valentine’s chocolates to warm the hearts of those we care about (and our own hearts), there’s no better option than choosing something truly exceptional. For such moments, Wako chocolates from Ginza are the perfect choice. A beloved brand in the heart of Tokyo, Wako has continuously adapted to the times, ensuring that each year’s Valentine’s offerings are full of fresh excitement. And it’s not just about the in-store experience; their well-developed online store allows fans to enjoy these premium chocolates from anywhere in Japan.
"Wako" Valentine’s Day Collection: Indulge in the Best
This year’s Valentine’s Day chocolates from Wako come in elegant crimson boxes, and the collection is called "Chocolat Frais"—"frais" meaning raw, indicating these are raw chocolates. The subtle, understated design of the box reflects Wako’s Ginza pride, a nod to their dignity as a renowned store. When you open the box, you can immediately feel the sender’s refined taste and pride in offering something truly sophisticated.
We recommend savoring the "Chocolat Frais" slowly. The theme of this year's special Valentine’s edition is "Frontière" (French for "border" or "boundary"), and each piece contains five flavors sourced from around the world by Wako’s cordon bleu chocolatier Nana Iioka, blending her exquisite technique and flair. While it’s perfectly fine to enjoy them without knowing the flavors, we encourage you to savor each bite and discover the delicious complexity inside.
The five flavors are:
- Maple / North America: A rich maple flavor with hints of hazelnut and butter.
- Salé / Australia: A sophisticated salty ganache flavor.
- Fig Epices / Middle East: A delightful mix of exotic spices and fig jam.
- Clementine / Mediterranean: A refreshing blend of Corsican citrus fruits and white chocolate.
- Japanese Black Tea / Japan: The unique aroma of Kagoshima's black tea, a first for Wako's Chocolat Frais.
These flavors are full of charm and individuality, offering something for every palate.
Wako’s attention to detail doesn’t stop there. With over 37 years of experience, Wako has perfected the art of gift-giving, creating chocolates that reflect both the thoughtfulness of the giver and the tastes of the recipient. The brand’s legacy dates back to the opening of the Wako Annex, a popular dining spot in Ginza 4-chome, frequented by well-known figures, including Marunouchi executives and Kabuki families. It was during a European business trip that Wako’s first Food Department manager envisioned creating premium chocolates for adults in Ginza, leading to the founding of Chocolat de Paris in 1988.
This year, Wako offers four specialty sets, including:
- A 5-piece "Specialty" set featuring the "Chocolat Frais" assortment.
- A 10-piece set combining "Chocolat Frais" with Wako’s popular cookies.
- A 3-piece set of "Chocolat Frais" for an easy and elegant gift.
With options to suit different budgets, significance, and sentiments, Wako will surely have the perfect treat for your Valentine’s gift-giving needs.
◾️Sales period: Thursday, January 16th, 2025 to Friday, February 14th, 2025
*Online boutique sales period: Thursday, January 16th, 2025 10:30 to Friday, February 7th, 17:00
*Ends when sold out
◾️Sales store: Wako Annex 1st floor Cake & Chocolate Shop, Online boutique
Contact information: Wako Annex 1st floor Cake & Chocolate Shop
Tel. 03-3563-9701 (10:30-19:30 Sundays and holidays-19:00)
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