With Christmas around the corner, Valentineâs Day is probably the last thing on your mind. However, donât tell that to Motohiro Okai. The chocolatier, who works at the Rihga Royal Hotel Chocolate Boutique LâĂ©clat in Osaka, Japan, has been feverishly working to perfect an exclusive line of âshoesâ that will delight even the most discerning man.
Dubbed âGentlemanâs Radiance,â the meticulously crafted chocolate shoes look like high-end footwear and even include shoe care accessories, like a shiny shoehorn and a tub of âshoe creamâ filled with discs of tempered chocolate. Though only available in one size â 10.2 inches, or the equivalent of US shoe size 10 â buyers do have the option of choosing between dark, light, and reddish-brown colors.
Of course, shoes this exquisite and delicious, do not come cheap. A pair from this exclusive collection which can be pre-ordered starting January 20, will cost 29,160 Japanese Yen (US$ 258.45) each â close to the price of wearable high-end dress shoes. The only consolation is that Okai is planning on crafting just nine pairs!
While spending so much money on chocolate may appear extravagant, it is fairly common in Japan, where the confection is the favorite gift of choice on Valentineâs Day. Hence, every year, chocolate manufacturers go all out to craft unusual pieces of edible artwork. Fortunately, most are more wallet-friendly than Okaiâs âGentlemanâs Radiance!â
Wondering why the chocolatier did not create a pair of stylish shoes for women as well? Thatâs because in Japan, itâs the women who purchase gifts for men on February 14. But before you cry foul, there is a silver lining. Men do not only reciprocate the favor on âWhite Day,â which is celebrated a month later on March 14, but also buy gifts that are at least three times the value of what they receive on Valentineâs Day!
Resources: Prtimes.jp