February 2, 2012
Shot Through the Heart…
Choco terminology plus other Valentine treats
By Metropolis
Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on February 2012
Japanese chocco companies’ marketing technique can’t be faulted, with every human relationship now requiring some kind of sugary gift on February 14. Here’s a breakdown:
Giri choco
“Obligation chocs” for parents, grandparents, colleagues, etc.
Iine! choco The chocolate equivalent of the “like” button on Facebook. A bland murmur of appreciation.
Fami choco
Butter up the folks.
Tomo choco
Smarm up to your friends.
Deco choco
Decorate your own. Cheapo.
Papa choco
Daughters’ offerings to sugar-daddy.
Gyaku choco
Given to girls by guys with one thing on their mind.
Survey
According to a survey by Glico, this year’s Valentine’s Day is more about bonds and ties with other people you love than good old-fashioned flirting. Perhaps this ties in with 2011’s kanji of the year kizuna (bonds). 61.7% of dads said they prefer to get chocolates from their daughters, with only 29.4% happier to receive choccies from the Missus. Meanwhile, 33.3% of girls are going to be giving treats to that special guy, but the majority are more concerned with sweetening up their so-called friends.
Source: www.ezaki-glico.com
Falling in Love Again
How many times have you fallen in love and said: “Never again?” How many times have you wished that the next time would be perfect?
Each time you meet someone, you’re scared of disappointment. Each time you believe nothing will change. How many times have you said, “Men are not serious?” Or, “Women only look for rich and handsome guys?” You long for a change but don’t know how to make it happen. You want to love and be loved, but you are full of fear and doubt…
Love’s flow is pure and original and every person and situation is different. That’s why, each time, it must be different. People have a multitude of preconceptions about men, women, love and relationships. Sometimes we give up before we’ve started. Love is to pay attention. Once we are fully in our body and less busy with our mind, which is full of fear, doubt, images and ideas, we can pay more attention to the one we love. Then, it is much easier to allow love’s great energy to flow in our systems and enable us to act spontaneously.
Through the Grinberg Method, you will learn to allow this energy to flow through your body. You’ll learn to recognize the repetitive behavior preventing you from finding the relationship you long for, change this behavior and avoid the same mistakes. Through the Grinberg Method, you’ll leave your images and old beliefs behind—and allow a new start, with clear energy and a fresh spirit.
Sound like a fantasy? It could be real if you give it a try.
For an introduction to The Grinberg Method and a foot analysis, contact Karen. ¥5,000 for one session. Advance reservations required. Tel: 080-3273-0773. Email: karencarmeli@softbank.ne.jp. Nearest stn: Higashi Nakano. www.grinbergmethod.com
Bisteria Sama Sama
They say music is the food of love, but according to owner-chef of Bisteria Sama Sama, Masa Nagasaka, the food of love is actually food. Something of a veteran of Tokyo haute cuisine, this top-class gourmand has worked in various high-profile restaurants in California. He moved on to become head chef at several Tokyo mainstays before opening his own place in October last year. Pizza is his specialty, and people come from far and wide to try his famed porcini cream-cheese pizza with thick cream and truffles (¥1,680).
Slide up to his table on February 14 for a special Valentine’s menu, guaranteed to get the aromas of love circulating in your passages. Not only is it a succulent way to spend the occasion, but it is a perfect opportunity to try the delights of Sama Sama—with a special course menu of just ¥5,000. The menu includes appetizer, soup, pasta, meat dish and a luxurious romantic dessert of fondant au chocolat, to leave a sweetness in the mouth that can only be dissolved in the passionate fire of a Valentine’s embrace. Reserve to ensure your place.
However, even on other, less momentous occasions, Bisteria Sama Sama still has something extra special to offer. On Saturdays and public holidays, all bottles of wine under ¥5,000 can be had for half price (conditions apply).
1-13-14 Nishiazabu, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6804-5988. Email: arisa@samasama.net. Lunch 11:30am-3pm, dinner 6pm-midnight. www.samasama.net
