Japanese Etiquette for Gifts
As part of Japanese protocol, the giving and receiving of gifts is expected and expresses the value of and respect for the relationship. The act of giving has more value to the relationship than the price of the gift, so in Japanese culture it really is the thought that counts.
Other People Are Reading
-
When to Give
-
Give gifts throughout the year for holidays, new homes, weddings, funerals and festivals, but note the specific Japanese gift-giving times:
Ochugen, given in the first half of July to relatives, co-workers, friends and superiors, typically is a useful household gift.
Oseibo, given from December 5 to 20 or anytime before the end of the year, often are alcohol, local produce or specialty foods and meats.
Omiyage are gifts brought back from even a short trip and are specific to the location visited.
All birthdays are celebrated at New Years with otoshidama---an envelope of money.
Appropriate Gifts
-
Fine regional wines are appropriate gifts. Choosing the right gift depends less on the cost factor and more on thoughtfulness that the giver remembered the recipient. Give money for weddings, childbirth or funerals; the amount depends on the relationship. Other gifts to consider include:
Gourmet meats, especially frozen steak or fresh fruit
Imported beers, spirits or fine wines
Name-brand foreign items
Cuff links
Desk sets (pen and pencil)
Framed photographs of a gathering with the recipient
Any local or regional specialty from travels, e.g. maple syrup, local wines
Flowers and cakes or candy when visiting a home -
Inappropriate Gifts
-
Beware of flowers associated with funerals. Japanese culture associates certain plants, flowers, colors and numbers with specific meaning.
Flowers: Avoid white flowers of any kind; give camellias, lilies and lotus blossoms only at funerals.
Plants: Avoid potted plants, which are believed to promote illness.
Numbers: Avoid groups of four or nine, which denote bad luck.
Colors: Avoid red, even in holiday cards, as that is the color of funeral notices.
Presentation
-
Although the gift is culturally expected, give no hint that a gift is to be presented. Instead, carry the wrapped gift inside a shopping bag. This avoids the appearance of ostentation.
Wrap the gift in pastel-colored paper rather than bright colors and do not use bows. Present monetary gifts in a noshibukuro, a special envelop tied with a cord.
Present the gift with both hands, commenting that it is "tsumaranai mono desu ga" (uninteresting or dull)---a sign of humility expressing the importance of the relationship over the gift.
Delivery and Timing
-
Present the gift near the end of your visit.
Give an individual's gift privately, or if giving to a group, have all recipients together. Do not give a gift in the presence of others unless giving to everyone present.
Open gifts privately to avoid "loss of face" at a poor choice.
Do not be conspicuous.
Do not give the same gift to two or more Japanese of unequal rank.
Do not send wedding gifts via the postal system. Use a gift-delivery service.
Receiving
-
Receive with two hands, after politely refusing it at least twice.
Do not assume an expensive gift is a bribe.
Need to Know
-
The ritual of giving is more important than the gift.
Always reciprocate.
-
References
- Photo Credit Japan image by Angelika Bentin from Fotolia.com bottle wine and glasses with a wine image by mashe from Fotolia.com camellia image by Christopher Hall from Fotolia.com
