The University of Tokyo is selling halalchocolates online for Valentine’s Day to raise public awareness of foods thatare prepared according to Muslim standards.

Hanan Chocolates have been produced by aTokyo maker using soy emulsifier and no animal-origin ingredients. The products? milk as well as white and dark chocolates ? have acquired halal certificationby the nonprofit Nippon Asia Halal Association as permissible under Islamiclaw.

Emi Goto, associate professor specializingin modern Islamic studies at the university, said that as Muslims in Japan area minority and often face prejudice, she hopes the chocolates will help bridgethe gap between different cultures and religions.

“We hope people will understand halalthrough the chocolates and start caring for each other rather than beingsegmented,” she said.

A box containing 30 chocolates sells for?1,080 (about $10) at the university’s communication center and on its website.

The item comes with a message card withillustrations of cats, a revered animal in Islam as it was loved by the Islamicprophet Muhammad.

In Japan, women give chocolates to men onFeb. 14, and men who received chocolates are expected to reciprocate on March14, dubbed “White Day.”

People in some Muslim countries also givesweets on Valentine’s Day.

Link-> https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/02/13/national/university-tokyo-offers-halal-chocolates-ahead-valentines-day/#.WoODw-RG2Uk