[Valentine's Day] Former AKB Idol is Annoyed by Current Japanese Culture Styles Behind Valentine's Day

What You Need to Know:

• Popular Former AKB48 Member Rino Sashihara states that the culture behind giving chocolate in Japan (known as 義理チョコ - Giri Choco) is quite troublesome, because both male and female individuals are obligated to give chocolates away, even if they don't like the person.
• She also feels that girls who give chocolates on Valentine's Day try to convey the image of a "good girl", and Sashihara isn't too pleased with that image. She really dislikes the evaluation that is received through the cultural aspects of Valentine's Day and White Day in Japan.
• She states that her feelings towards the other person is somewhat forced, At times she wants to say "Oh, you don't have to give anything to me." but, based on the aspects of how these holidays are celebrated, she needs to play a different role. So, in her recent tweets she implies that every girl doesn't have to give chocolates on Valentine's Day, and boys shouldn't feel obligated to give items in return on White Day.
• However, she continues by saying that she enjoys the festivities of Valentine's Day, but stresses that some people will enjoy it, but others may not.

Whoa, I didn't think it was that bad..but what she says makes sense I think. We shouldn't feel obligated.

Yeah, I can imagine it's very stressful to deal with, especially on the receiving end.