Japanese retailers are offering special limited-edition domestic and imported treats for Valentine's Day this year, a media report said on Sunday.
In Japan, limited-edition sweet treats from Europe and made-in-Japan confectionery can be found in retail stores during Valentine's Day, Channel News Asia reported.
"Japanese customers are no longer presenting them to their loved onesn, but also for their own consumption. They take this opportunity to purchase chocolates that are not available at other times," said Mariko Yamaki, manager at Mitsukoshi Ginza Store.
Retailers have also begun offering a wider choice of Valentine's Day gifts, including sushi with heart-shaped fish eggs, kamaboko or moulded fish paste, and heart-shaped bread.
Many of the items are for sale on Valentine's Day only, and reservations are recommended as the quantities are limited.
While the average amount spent on Valentine's Day gifts may not be as much as during Christmas, it is still an important shopping season for retailers to boost stalling consumption in Japan.
