Art to eat "Valentine Yokohama Chocolate Paradise"

The season for Valentine's Day has arrived again this year.
Valentine's Day is known all over the world, and the way it is celebrated differs from country to country. Do you know when it originated? It is said to date back to the 3rd century. At the time, Roman Emperor Claudius II forbade marriage, as he believed that a major reason why young men did not go to war was because they did not want to be separated from their families and lovers at home. However, the Christian priest Valentinus, preaching the preciousness of love, went against the policy and performed weddings for young people. After that, he disobeyed the orders of the Roman emperor and continued to preach the preciousness of love, so he was executed.
The date of his execution is said to be February 14th, and in honor of the courageous actions of Priest Valentinus, who preached love, the day became known as Saint Valentine's Day. It is said to be the beginning. From around the 14th century, the element of an event for lovers became stronger, but overseas, not only chocolates but also cards and gifts are given to family and loved ones, not just lovers. Today, Valentine's Day is evolving according to each country's way of thinking.
Valentine's Day evolves according to the times and regions, but why don't you think about its origins and express your gratitude to your loved ones, friends, and people who have helped you?
It's also nice to look for special chocolates as a treat to yourself.

"Valentine Yokohama Chocolate Paradise" is being held at Sogo Yokohama from Friday, January 21st to Monday, February 14th.
This year, we have selected chocolates from all over the world in four themes.
1. “Patissier x Sustainable”
2. “Luxury”
3. “Limited” Sogo/Seibu limited products, etc.
4. “Newsense” A new brand with a new sensation that has never been seen before
About 70 brands of chocolate, including new products and limited editions, are lined up in the spacious venue, colorful and delicate, just like art.
Here are just a few of our many chocolates.

Hotel Chocolat
Born in London and started by growing cocoa farms, Hotel Chocolat is committed to sustainability. Supporting the livelihood of cacao farms, and using packages that have acquired *FSC certification.
Luxurious chocolates from first-class chocolatiers are chocolates that make people happy, not just those who taste them.
*FSC certification: An international organization that certifies properly managed forests and the distribution and processing processes of lumber cut from those forests.

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

DelReY
From Belgium, known as the home of chocolate, DelReY.
When you open the diamond-shaped jewelry box, pink, red, and green diamond-shaped chocolates shine. Assorted are three popular types in the 2022 Chocolate Collection. In addition to the diamond boxes introduced here, there are other boxes with different numbers, and we recommend the "Marble Diamond Box", which is sold exclusively at Sogo and Seibu. The pink and blue marble-colored limited box with a drawer is so luxurious that you'll want it for yourself.

● Blue Pearl Delray Diamond BOX 3 pieces 1,944 yen (tax included)

JANICE WONG
Ms. Janice Wong, a female pastry chef from Singapore who has been selected as the best pastry chef in Asia for the second year in a row. Her concept is edible art (art that can be eaten) with the fusion of food and art as one theme. The colorful chocolate spheres are so beautiful that you want to decorate them, and you will be excited to know what they taste like. This Japan-exclusive selection comes in five flavors: Creamy Coconut, Praline Pop Rock, Coffee, Yuzu, and Salted Caramel.
You can enjoy delicious and beautiful chocolate that stimulates not only your taste buds but also your senses.

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

le Chateau
le Chateau was born in a city known for its rich nature and many castles in France. Made using a unique method using a copper kettle, it is a gem of carefully selected ingredients such as raisins soaked in noble rot wine or champagne, white figs, and coffee beans wrapped in dark chocolate or milk chocolate.
Le Chateau, which is imported directly from France only once a year, is so rare that it sells out every year. There are many types and sizes, so it's a perfect gift for your close friends.

● Le Chateau 50g ¥999 (tax included)
● Le Chateau 25g ¥594 (tax included)

REI CACAO
REI CACAO allows you to fully enjoy the original taste of cacao.
Introducing a lunch box packed with the charm of REI CACAO's chocolate, which uses as few natural additives as possible and pursues simplicity.
Rice puffs and bonbon chocolates are likened to rice and pickled plums, and 11 types of chocolates such as authentic bonbon chocolates and mandians are packed.

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

Chocolat BEL AMER
Chocolat Belle Amer Kyoto Bettei was born in Kyoto, a city rich in tradition and internationality.
Various chocolates that are delicate and feel Japanese are lined up. What particularly caught my eye was the “Mizuho no Shizuku,” a gelée made from Kyoto sake, domestic tea, domestic fruits, and honey poured into a chocolate that looks like a masu. This time I bought a series that combines domestic fruits and domestic honey. It is a dish that you should definitely feel the gentle scent of honey that overflows the moment you open the box.

Mizuho no Shizuku domestic fruit and honey 5 pieces 1,620 yen (tax included)

merry chocolate
Established in 1950, Merry Chocolate is a long-established store.
The “popping candy chocolate” package is so cute that you can’t help but pick it up, and it is inspired by the colorful drinks that are lined up in a retro coffee shop. The candy pops in the chocolate, giving it a somewhat nostalgic texture. There are six flavors: melon cream soda, strawberry soda, cola float, white soda, cider, and lemon squash. This chocolate looks and tastes like something you'll want to share with someone.

Popping candy chocolate 378 yen each (tax included)

"Valentine Yokohama Chocolate Paradise", which is currently being held while limiting admission to the venue and expanding the venue space to alleviate congestion, is being held at Sogo Yokohama until February 14 (Monday).

Click here for event information