Edible Art "Valentine Yokohama Chocolate Paradise"

Valentine's Day season has arrived again this year.
Valentine's Day is known all over the world, and how it's celebrated varies from country to country. But do you know when it originated? It apparently dates back to the 3rd century. The Roman Emperor at the time, Claudius II, believed that a major factor in young men not going to war was their reluctance to be separated from their families and lovers back home, and so he banned marriage. However, the Christian priest Valentine preached the preciousness of love and, contrary to policy, performed weddings for young people. He continued to disobey the Roman Emperor's orders and preach the preciousness of love, which led to his execution.
The day of his execution is said to be February 14th, and Valentine's Day is said to have begun when priest Valentine's Day was designated as "Saint Valentine's Day" to honor his courageous actions in preaching love. It began to become more of an event for lovers around the 14th century, but overseas, people not only give chocolates to their lovers, but also cards and gifts to their families and loved ones. Today, Valentine's Day has evolved to suit the different ways of thinking in each country around the world.
Valentine's Day has evolved over time and across regions, but why not reflect on its origins and express your gratitude to loved ones, friends, and those who have helped you?
It's also a good idea to look for a special chocolate to treat yourself.

"Valentine Yokohama Chocolate Paradise" is being held at Sogo Yokohama from Friday, January 21st to Monday, February 14th.
This year, there will be a wide selection of chocolates from around the world, divided into four themes.
1. "Pastry chef x Sustainability"
2. "Luxury"
3. "Limited" Sogo and Seibu limited items, etc.
4. "New Sense" A brand new and innovative debut
The spacious venue is lined with approximately 70 brands of chocolates, including new and limited edition items, that are vibrantly colored and delicate, truly like art.
Here are a few of the many chocolates available.

Hotel Chocolat
Hotel Chocolat, which was founded in London and began by cultivating cocoa farms, is committed to sustainability, supporting the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and using FSC-certified packaging.
The luxurious chocolates made by top chocolatiers are the kind of chocolate that makes even those who taste them happy.
*FSC certification: An international organization that certifies properly managed forests and the distribution and processing processes of timber harvested from those forests.

Strawberry & Cream Macarons (1 box) 1,600 yen (tax included)

DelReY
DelReY comes from Belgium, known as the home of chocolate.
When you open the diamond-shaped jewelry box, you'll find sparkling diamond-shaped chocolates in pink, red, and green. The assortment includes three popular varieties from the 2022 Chocolate Collection. In addition to the diamond box shown here, boxes with different quantities are available, and we recommend the "Marble Diamond Box," which is sold exclusively at Sogo and Seibu. The limited edition pink and blue marble-colored box with a drawer is so luxurious that you'll probably want one for yourself.

Blue Pearl Del Rey Diamond Box (3 pieces) 1,944 yen (tax included)

JANICE WONG
Janice Wong, a Singaporean pastry chef who has been named Asia's Best Pastry Chef for two consecutive years, creates edible art, a concept that combines food and art. Her colorful, spherical chocolates are so beautiful you'll want to display them, and they'll make you excited to discover what they taste like. This selection, exclusive to Japan, comes in five flavors: Creamy Coconut, Praline Pop Rock, Coffee, Yuzu, and Salted Caramel.
Chocolate stimulates not only your taste buds but also your senses, allowing you to enjoy both deliciousness and beauty.

●Janice Wong Special 5 2,780 yen (tax included)

le Chateau
Le Chateau was born in a city in France known for its abundant nature and numerous castles. Using a unique copper kettle, the shop creates exquisite treats made with carefully selected ingredients, such as raisins soaked in noble rot wine or champagne, white figs, and coffee beans, wrapped in dark or milk chocolate.
Le Chateau is imported directly from France only once a year, and is so rare that it sells out immediately every year. With a wide variety of types and sizes, it makes a perfect gift for a close friend.

Le Chateau 50g 999 yen (tax included)
Le Chateau 25g 594 yen (tax included)

REI CACAO
REI CACAO allows you to fully enjoy the original flavor of cacao.
Introducing a new lunch box packed with the charm of REI CACAO chocolate, which is made with as little added as possible and uses as many natural additives as possible, pursuing simplicity.
The rice puffs and bonbons are shaped to resemble rice and pickled plums, and the cake is filled with 11 types of chocolate, including authentic bonbons and mandiants.It is a must-have for chocolate lovers, and is a product with the most impressive appearance.

● Cacao bento (1 can) 2,700 yen (tax included)

Chocolat BEL AMER (Chocolat BEL AMER Kyoto Annex)
Chocolat Belle Amer Kyoto Bettei was born in Kyoto, a city rich in tradition and international flair.
There are a variety of delicate chocolates lined up that exude a Japanese feel. One that particularly caught my eye was "Mizuho no Shizuku," a chocolate shaped like a masu, filled with a jelly made from Kyoto sake, domestic tea, domestic fruit, and honey. The chocolate I purchased this time was from a series that combines domestic fruit and domestic honey. The gentle aroma of honey that gently fills the air the moment you open the box is a must-try.

Mizuho no Shizuku Domestic Fruit and Honey 5 pieces 1,620 yen (tax included)

Merry Chocolate
Mary Chocolate is a long-established company founded in 1950.
The "Popping Candy Chocolate" comes in a package so cute you'll want to pick it up without even realizing it, and is inspired by the colorful drinks lined up in retro coffee shops. The candies pop inside the chocolate, creating a nostalgic texture. There are six flavors: melon cream soda, strawberry soda, cola float, white soda, cider, and lemon squash. Both the appearance and taste make this chocolate something you'll want to share with someone.

Popping Candy Chocolate: 378 yen each (tax included)

"Valentine Yokohama Chocolate Paradise" is being held at Sogo Yokohama until Monday, February 14th, with entry restrictions and increased venue space to reduce congestion.