The "Valentine Chocolate Expo" will be held on the 9th floor of the Hankyu Umeda Main Store from January 27th to February 14th, 2016.

The Hankyu Umeda Gallery will showcase approximately 500 types of tablet chocolates, divided into bitter, white, fruit, and spice flavors. Chocolates made with Vietnamese cacao, which has been attracting attention from chocolatiers in recent years for its high quality, will also be on display. Of particular note will be the "Bean to Bar" chocolates by Marou, a brand founded by two Frenchmen who moved to Vietnam after falling in love with Vietnamese cacao. Made exclusively with rare cacao from Treasure Island, these chocolates offer an exquisite balance of rich aroma and refreshing acidity.

On the Art Stage, buyers in charge of selecting Japanese confectionery for the Japanese confectionery section on the basement floor will display over 100 types of chocolates from all over Japan, including locally popular chocolates and chocolates made with local specialties. The event space will sell 100 chocolate brands from Japan and abroad, including chocolates made with unique wines from urban winery Fujimaru Brewery. Other special menu items include the "Maru Chocolate Cake Set" (1,400 yen) from Maru Cafe, the world's first Maru cafe; the "Theobroma Cafe Chocolat" (850 yen) from Cacao Store by Musée du Chocolat Theobroma, created by cacaotier Koji Tsuchiya, who creates chocolate from cacao; and a crepe (900 yen) created in collaboration with "cacao hunter" Mayumi Ogata. Events include seminars on how to find your favorite chocolate, tastings, recommendations for chocolate pairings, and talks by "cacaotiers." The Festival Plaza will also feature special chocolates by Japan's leading cacao experts.