Japanese Gift Giving Manners

When you live in Japan, you may receive a variety of gifts.
Some people may want to give something back as a gift in return.
 
In fact, there is a Japanese etiquette regarding gifts, and it can be rude if you do not know about it.
Here we will introduce what it is not appropriate to give as a gift and what you should be careful about.

Basic Manners for Gifts

Things to keep in mind when choosing a gift

It is said that "anything related to fate" or anything associated with "death" and "funerals" is not an appropriate gift.
 
Cutlery (knives, etc.)
This is because giving a gift of a cutting utensil would mean "to discontinue a relationship".

Kushi(Combs)
Kushi is a Japanese hair comb. The sound of "ku" and "shi" is associated with "suffering" and "death.

Chrysanthemum flowers
Chrysanthemums are very beautiful, but they are not suitable for gifts.
This is because chrysanthemums are used at funerals and are often displayed on Buddhist altars.

Anything related to the numbers 4 and 9
The number 4 is a bad omen because it resembles the sound of "die" and the number 9 is similar to the sound of "suffer".

White and black wrapping paper
Black and white wrapping paper is often used at funerals. It should not be used for wrapping celebrations or gifts.
 
Although it is said that it is better not to give a gift, some people would like to give a famous Japanese kitchen knife or comb as a gift.
Before giving a gift, it is a good idea to check if the person you are giving it to would care for it or not.

Gifts for a Superiors

In Japan, it is common to avoid expensive gifts for superiors.
Gifts that are too expensive may make the other person feel uncomfortable.
There are also some things that should not be given as gifts.
For example, a pair of socks can mean that you are looking down on the person you are giving the gift to.

How to Give a Gift

There are a few things to keep in mind when presenting a gift.

Consider their preferences

When choosing a gift, consider the other person's preferences and situation.
For example, if you are giving food, it is a good idea to check the person's preferences and allergies.
Also, choose gifts that match the person's lifestyle and hobbies.

How to give and receive gifts

When giving a gift, hand it over carefully with both hands.
 
It is recommended to say, "I'll be glad if it suits your taste", when giving a food gift, or "I would be happy if it is something you like”, when giving an object or utensil.
 
When receiving a gift, accept it politely with both hands.
Say "thank you" or "I appreciate your kindness" when you receive a gift.

Where to buy gifts?

In Japan, they are often bought in department stores and shopping malls.
Department stores are especially recommended because they sell everything and are beautifully wrapped.
You can also buy a variety of gifts on the website, and there is a service that allows you to send gifts directly from the website, which is very convenient.
 
Wherever you buy, make sure that the price is not revealed to the person.
Cut off the tag or remove the price tag sticker before presenting it.

What is お返し?

When we receive a special gift, we often return gifts as a thank-you gesture.
For example, wedding gifts and other gifts given in return for a special celebration.
 
In return, it is said that a gift should be half to one-third of the value of the gift you received.

Gifts for special occasions

Souvenirs

In Japan, many people prepare お土産(souvenirs) for their friends and colleagues when they travel or return home.
Local specialties are appreciated as souvenirs. For example, local sweets are a good choice.

Birthday

There are no particular manners or rules for birthday gifts, though there are some rules,
not many people give cash as a birthday gift to friends or loved ones.
 
Choose a gift based on what you think the person likes and what he or she needs.
Recently, digital gifts that can be used in cafes and online shopping are also popular.

Celebration gift

In the case of a celebration, money may be given. The money given as a congratulatory gift is called goshuugi (congratulatory gift).
Congratulatory gifts are given in undivided amounts, such as 10,000 yen, 30,000 yen, and 50,000 yen.
 
Wedding Gift
Gifts for wedding celebration are appreciated if they are things that can be used in the new life or home.
Catalog gifts, which allow the recipient to choose what he or she wants, are often sent as a gift for the wedding celebration.
 
New Born Gift
In Japan, it is said that the best time to give a baby gift is not immediately after the baby is born, but two to three weeks after the baby is out of the hospital. Baby clothes, toys, and childcare items are very popular.
 
School Entrance Celebration
In Japan, when a child of a relative or acquaintance enters school, a gift is sometimes given as a congratulatory gift.
Stationery, bags, and other items that can be used at school.

お見舞い(Medical Sympathy)

Care should be taken when giving a gift to someone who is hospitalized due to illness or injury.
 
Food:
It is not a good idea to bring food for a sympathy visit because there are certain foods that are allowed to be eaten during hospitalization and many hospitals do not allow food to be brought in.
If the person hospitalized asks for food, it is okay to bring it.
 
Plants:
Note that some hospitals do not allow you to bring flowers.
Furthermore, plants in a pot are not a good idea to give to a person in the hospital.
Plants with roots are associated with a long period of hospitalization and rooting in the hospital, which is considered bad luck.

お中元(Mid-year gift)

Ochugen, or "mid-year gift," is given in July to express gratitude to those who have been a part of your daily work and support.
Food and beverages are often given as gifts.

お歳暮(Year-end gift)

Oseibo (year-end gifts) are given in December to express gratitude to those who have helped you this year.
Year-end gifts often include food and beverages, just as in the case of mid-year gifts.

Finally

Japanese gift-giving etiquette can be a bit complicated.
Nowadays there are many people who don't care about bad luck, but it is useful to know.
Please think about your recipient and choose a gift that will make them happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are some good souvenirs to bring to a company?
Sweets that have a long expiration date or are individually wrapped are recommended as they are easy to share.
 
Q: Do I always have to return gifts?
When you receive a "congratulatory gift" such as a wedding or a birth, you generally return the gift.
It is advisable to choose a gift that is approximately one-third to one-half the value of the gift.
[Example: If you receive a congratulatory gift of 30,000 yen, send a gift in return of about 15,000 yen.