The Japanese, along with their neighbors in China, are well known to be superstitious. This rings true even more so for those who enjoy gaming – there is a top mahjong professional who always touches a charm he keeps with him whenever he rolls the dice.
The Cerulean Tower Tokyo Hotel in Shibuya has been selling chocolate inspired by casino games for Valentine’s Day since 2013.
The custom of giving chocolate to the people you value in your life took off in Japan about five decades ago. However, unlike the West, more often than not it is women buying chocolate for men. Men reciprocate the gesture on White Day in March.
The “CASINO 2019 Unmei no Itazura” – translated as “Fate’s Mischief” – gift set is designed around the concept “Chocolate men would be delighted to receive.”
Each chocolate, molded as dice, playing cards or chips, is a mini work-of-art with a retail value of JPY5,500 (US$50).
Sadly for most of us, these were limited to 35 pre-orders by phone and were already sold out by 15 January.
Nevertheless, set yourself a reminder for next year and get in quick if you want to grab one. Surely luck will come your way with these at hand!
