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| BEAU SOLCE アーモンドキャラメリゼ・ストロベリーチョコ |
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BEAU SOLCE Almond Caramelized Strawberry Chocolate |
I hear working folks struggle a bit daily with the topic of “souvenirs.”
Those are delightful, aren't they?
I was always happy to receive small chocolates.
Cookies are nice too, but they make me crave coffee or tea, so I'd end up leaving my desk to grab one from a nearby coffee shop or Starbucks, holding it in one hand. That's why I'd be thrilled if they came in a small package.
A thin ribbon tied on top would make me even happier.
This is the “matsukiyo BEAU SOLCE Caramelized Almond & Strawberry Chocolate,” familiar from Matsukiyo's “Matsukiyo Oishiiyo” line, sold at Matsukiyo Cocokara.
Inside are cherry-blossom-colored chocolates about the size of almonds.
Please note they are not individually wrapped.
They're delicious.
Magazines and such refer to gifts meant for distribution as “handout sweets.”
Is that really true?
It's a strange term that leaves both the giver and receiver feeling a little disappointed.
We went through a phase where everyone wondered about the name “obligation chocolate”—what on earth was that about? Then someone suggested, “Let's call it ‘distribution chocolate’!” But then people thought, “Is ‘distribution’ really appropriate?” And now, I'm sure, we've arrived at “handout sweets.”
Who exactly is this explanation—or excuse—for?
It's just a social courtesy gift, so please don't misunderstand.
What is it?
Or maybe it means: “I just picked this up on the way, so don't expect me to bring something every time.”
What is it?
No, I'm not trying to win everyone over with something this small!
What is it?
It doesn't mean “Give me work,” right?
Is that it?
When I met an excellent hairdresser a little less than 20 years ago, she pointed out to me sharply,
“You don't have to say self-deprecating things anymore.”
And I thought,
Oh, that's right. I don't have to say things like that anymore to show that I'm not conceited. That's good.
It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
I think it's better to just say something simple like, “This was delicious,” or
“This is a souvenir,”
and hand it over quietly.
With a petit greeting—a small gift—
you can receive it cleanly and chicly,
and after unwrapping the beautiful, pale-colored, invisible ribbon,
you get to spend some time gently smiling at the steam rising from your cup.
20250918 21:41 I corrected the text.
20250919 16:10 English version added.

















