Japan Gift Giving Customs
From Giftypedia
Gift giving in Japan is deeply rooted in tradition with gifts given not only for social occasions, but also for social obligations - gifts given when indebted to others, both family and business. The emphasis is on the act of giving rather than the gift itself. The value of the gift is of less importance than the presentation and thoughtfulness in which it is presented.
In Japan, gifts are given on anniversaries, weddings, births, graduations, and housewarmings. Children's achievements are also celebrated with gifts. Though traditionally gifts are not given for birthdays or Christmas, this is becoming a modern Japan gift giving custom. Gifts or Omiyage (souvenirs) are expected upon returning from a trip for family, friends and co-workers.
After receiving a gift, the Japanese send a “thank you” gift called an O-kaeshi. These thank you gifts are common for illnesses, funerals, weddings and births. The value of this gift usually equals half the value of the original gift.
[edit] Business Gift Giving
Business gift giving in Japan is more extravagant and prestigious when humility is not the focus. Companies spend large sums of money on gifts to their clients and customers. With businesses gift giving, a sense of competition develops to give the most original or thoughtful gift.
- Gift giving in Japan is a central part of Japanese business etiquette.
- Bring a range of gifts for your trip so if you are presented with a gift you will be able to reciprocate.
- There's an expectation a gift will be offered at the first meeting, and gifts will continue to be part of your business dealings. Come prepared to that first meeting with a beautifully wrapped, quality gift that's not extravagant.
- If you’re bringing a gift from your home country, make sure it's not 'made in Japan'. Don't select company items with your company logo. It may seem to be a promotional item and be viewed as cheap.
- The emphasis in Japanese business culture is on the ritual of gift-giving, rather than the gift itself. For this reason, you may receive a gift that seems too modest, or conversely, extravagant.
- Expensive gifts are common. An expensive gift will not be perceived as a bribe.
- It is customary to comment that the gift you are presenting, even if it is extravagant, is "tsumaranai mon" ["an uninteresting or dull thing"]. This statement is meant to convey, "Our relationship is more important than this trivial item."
- A gift for an individual should be given in private.
- If you are presenting a gift to a group of people, have them all present.
- The correct Japanese etiquette is to present and receive gifts with both hands.
- Before accepting a gift it is polite to refuse at least once or twice before accepting.
[edit] Personal Gift Giving
- For Weddings, the traditional Japan gift giving custom is to give money to the couple. Upon returning from their honeymoon, the newly-weds bring back souvenirs to give to their wedding guests.
- For Births, the parents give gifts commemorating the child's birth to their family and friends.
- For Valentine's Day, the Japanese woman gives chocolates (honmei choco) to the man she is serious about. For her colleagues and other male friends, she gives obligatory chocolate (giri choco).
- On March 14, White Day, the Japanese man gives more expensive chocolates or sweets back to the woman that gave him a gift on Valentine's Day.
- For children's celebrations, electronics are recommended.
[edit] Major Gift Giving Holidays
The two most popular occasions for gift giving in Japan happen twice a year. Ochugen falls during the middle of the year and Oseibo falls at the end of the year. Ochugen originated as an offering to families who had a death in the first half of the year and still takes place two weeks before Obon, the Japanese holiday for honoring the dead.
Oseibo is more widely observed, with gifts going to friends, colleagues, teachers, clients or customers, and to anyone he or she is indebted to. These gifts are specifically given to pay back favors received during the year. The value of the gift does matter as the gift reflects the giver's evaluation of social indebtedness that he or she has incurred. The recipient can accurately determine the value of the relationship by the monetary value of the gift. Oseibo gifts are typically sent out by the 20th of December.
[edit] General Guidelines
- Gifts are always appreciated. Consider bringing a small souvenir that represents your hometown to give to your host. Don't be surprised if your hosts give you something from their country, too. If the gift is wrapped, don't open it until you leave. If the gift is not wrapped, make sure to express lots of appreciation (whether you like it or not). Ask some questions about the gift to show your interest.
- The correct etiquette is to present/receive gifts with both hands.
- Before accepting a gift it is polite to refuse at least once or twice before accepting.
- Giving four or nine of anything is considered unlucky.
- Gifts in pairs are considered lucky. The numbers eight and three are also considered lucky. Eight stands for prosperity and three stands for birth.
[edit] Gifts to Avoid
- Lilies, lotus blossoms, and camellias are associated with funerals. White flowers of any kind are gifts to be avoided. There is also a superstition that potted plants encourage sickness.
- Giving four or nine of anything is considered unlucky.
- Red Christmas cards should be avoided, since funeral notices are customarily printed in this color.
[edit] Related Items
- Japanese Holidays
- Japanese Gift Wrapping
- International Gift Customs
- How to Avoid Controversial or Inappropriate Gifts
- Etiquette for Office / Business Gift Giving
