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Edible art “Valentine Yokohama Chocolate Paradise”

食べるアート「バレンタイン ヨコハマ チョコレート パラダイス」

Valentine's Day season has arrived again this year.
Valentine's Day is known all over the world, and each country celebrates it differently. So, do you know when exactly it originated? It is said to date back to the 3rd century. At the time, Roman Emperor Claudius II forbade marriage, believing that a major reason why young men did not go to war was that they did not want to be separated from their families and lovers in their hometowns. However, Valentinus, a Christian priest, preached the importance of love and went against the government's policy by performing wedding ceremonies for young people. After that, he disobeyed the Roman emperor's orders and continued to preach the value of love, so he was executed.
It is said that the day he was executed was February 14th, and in honor of Bishop Valentinus' courageous act of preaching love, that day became a day of prayer as ``St. Valentine's Day.'' It is said to be the beginning. It was around the 14th century that events became more of an event for lovers, but in other countries, not only lovers but also family members and loved ones are given chocolates, cards, and gifts. Nowadays, Valentine's Day has evolved to suit different countries around the world.
Valentine's Day evolves depending on the times and regions, but why not think about its origins and express your gratitude to your loved ones, friends, and those who have helped you?
It's also a good idea to look for special chocolates to treat yourself to.

"Valentine Yokohama Chocolate Paradise" is being held at Sogo Yokohama from January 21st (Friday) to February 14th (Monday).
This year, we have selected chocolates from all over the world under four themes.
1. “Pastry Chef x Sustainable”
2. “Luxury”
3. “Limited” Sogo/Seibu limited products, etc.
4. “New Sense” A new and innovative brand with a new sensation
Approximately 70 brands of chocolate, including new products and limited edition products, lined up in the spacious venue are brightly colored and delicate, making them look like art.
Here are some of the many chocolates available.

Hotel Chocolat
Hotel Chocolat, which was born in London and started by growing cacao farms, is committed to sustainability. We support the livelihood of cacao farms, and our packaging is *FSC certified.
Luxury chocolates made by top chocolatiers are the kind of chocolates that can make even those who taste them happy.
*FSC certification: An international organization that certifies properly managed forests and the distribution and processing processes of wood cut from those forests.

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

DelReY
DelReY is from Belgium, known as the home of chocolate.
When you open the diamond-shaped jewelry box, pink, red, and green diamond-shaped chocolates shine. Assorted are three popular types of 2022 Chocolate Collection. In addition to the diamond boxes we introduce, there are boxes with different numbers of pieces, 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 drawers has a luxurious feel that you'll want for yourself.

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

JANICE WONG
Ms. Janice Wong, a female pastry chef from Singapore, has been selected as Asia's Best Pastry Chef for the second year in a row. Her concept is edible art, which is a fusion of food and art. The colorful spherical chocolates are so beautiful that you'll want to display them, and you'll be excited to see what they taste like. This selection, exclusive to Japan, comes in five flavors: Creamy Coconut, Praline Pop Rocks, Coffee, Yuzu, and Salted Caramel.
Chocolate stimulates not only your taste buds but also your senses, allowing you to enjoy both deliciousness and beauty.

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

le Chateau
le Chateau was born in a city in France known for its rich nature and many castles. Made using a unique method using a copper pot, this masterpiece is made with 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 quickly every year. They come in a wide variety of types and sizes, making them the perfect gift for a close friend.

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

REI CACAO
At REI CACAO, you can fully enjoy the natural taste of cacao.
Introducing a bento box filled with the charm of REI CACAO's chocolate, which pursues simplicity by adding nothing and using natural additives as much as possible.
The rice puffs and bonbon chocolate look like rice and pickled plums, and are packed with 11 types of chocolate, including authentic bonbon chocolate and mandian, making it a must-have item for chocolate lovers with the most impressive visual impact.

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

Chocolat BEL AMER (Chocolat BEL AMER Kyoto Villa)
Chocolat Belle Amer Kyoto Villa was born in Kyoto, a city rich in tradition and internationalism.
There are various kinds of chocolate that are delicate and have a Japanese feel. What particularly caught my eye was ``Mizuho no Shizuku,'' a jelly made with Kyoto sake, domestic tea, domestic fruit, and honey that was poured into a chocolate box shaped like a square. This time I purchased a series that combines domestic fruits and domestic honey. This is a product that you definitely want to experience the gentle scent of honey that fills you the moment you open the box.

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

merry chocolate
Merry Chocolate is a long-established store founded in 1950.
The ``Bursting Candy Chocolate'' comes in a package so cute that you can't help but pick it up, and it's inspired by the colorful drinks lined up in a retro coffee shop. The candy pops inside 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 is the kind of chocolate that makes you want to share it with someone, both in appearance and taste.

●Bursting candy chocolate 378 yen each (tax included)

"Valentine Yokohama Chocolate Paradise" is being held at Sogo Yokohama until February 14th (Monday), with venue admission restrictions and venue space expanded to alleviate crowding.

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