In Japan, lovers can take advantage of an original way to demonstrate their feelings — cookies featuring Prime Minister Sanae Takahiti. This was reported by RIA Novosti.
The set, named "Sanae-chan Cookies," consists of 12 cookies decorated with a portrait of the Prime Minister and a symbol of her native region Nara — a deer. The cookies also feature inscriptions such as "first female prime minister" and "first prime minister from Nara Prefecture."
The set includes a postcard, the design of which is kept secret until the packaging is opened, adding an element of surprise for buyers.
According to a RIA Novosti correspondent, there are three design options for the postcard. One of them repeats the image on the packaging, where the Prime Minister is feeding a deer. Another option depicts Sanae Takahiti in a traditional multi-layered kimono called "junihitoe," which was worn by aristocrats at the imperial court. The third option presents the Prime Minister in a more casual light-colored suit, holding a basket of eggplants and persimmons against the backdrop of a traditional Japanese house and a cat.
The cost of this set is 972 yen, including tax, which is equivalent to approximately $6.50.
The tradition of giving chocolate on Valentine's Day was brought to Japan by the confectionery company Morozoff, founded by Russian émigré Valentin Morozov. In 1936, the company released an advertisement urging men to give chocolate to their loved ones, but the custom only became popular in the 1970s.
Since mid-January, there has been an active demand for chocolate in Japan, available in various shapes, flavors, and colors. Gift sets with chocolate can be found not only in large shopping centers but also in regular supermarkets.
In recent years, the range of gifts has significantly expanded: it now includes not only chocolate but also cookies, as well as themed desserts featuring images of famous characters and public figures. Traditions are also changing, as more and more Japanese women choose to give chocolate to themselves on this day.
