Japanese Gift Giving
Japanese Gift Giving - Gift-giving culture in Japan is one of the most common in the world, be it for a wedding, a business meeting or returning from a trip. Business Agreement. However, unlike some other cultures, in Japan more emphasis is placed on the celebration of giving gifts rather than gifts... Although they don't usually celebrate birthdays or Christmas in Japan, it is more popular due to its strong influence.
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Japanese Gift Giving
West in recent years. Especially the younger generation is noticing this opportunity more and more. Traditionally in Japan, there are two main gift giving occasions each year: Ochugen and Osibo. During the summer, the mid-year 'Ochugen' is held and gifts are given to others as a token of gratitude.
Oseibo' takes place in December and is seen as a symbol of debt. Gifts are often related to food or alcohol - given to family members, close friends and colleagues. This is in line with the Japanese practice of giri - a type of duty or obligation.
A few traditions are important to follow when it comes to Japanese gift etiquette: A superstitious quirk in Japan has to do with numbers. Giving gifts in pairs is considered very lucky, while giving four or nine items is considered unlucky and best avoided. It is customary to give money as a wedding gift, which should be given in odd amounts.
When To Give Gifts
Given a sum of money, it is easily divided between the couple and creates a superstition that the couple may split up. How a gift is presented is as important as what's inside; Along with bows, ribbons and pretty paper, it is customary to present gifts in reusable cloths.
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It's called furoshiki (which basically means bath spread - they were used to wrap our bathing suits in the past) and has long been a way to wrap and hide gifts in Japan. The color of the gift presentation is just as important as how you present it.
Pastel colors are best, as red is associated with funerals or sex, and darker colors are considered ostentatious. Another important occasion for Japanese gift-giving is omiyage, a tradition where tourists return gifts to friends, family and colleagues. It goes back to the Edo period, where a lucky few would go on pilgrimage and bring back souvenirs to residents who couldn't make it.
Because of this custom there are many 'omiyage' shops in Japan, which specialize in tourist gifts and souvenirs. It is also common for women to gift chocolates to men on Valentine's Day. The day was first introduced in Japan in 1936 and later developed into a tradition: women give chocolate to all their male friends and colleagues, with their favorite receiving the best and most chocolate.
When To Give Gifts
Unpopular men are not so lucky - they get a cheap amount of chocolate. On March 14, known as 'Reply Day', men are expected to return a gift worth at least three times the value. Often it is jewelry. If a man does not return a gift, it is seen as an indication that he considers himself superior to his female friend.
Finally, we come to the tradition of o-kaishi, just a gift to say thank you. These are usually given at weddings or parties and should usually cost half the price of the original gift. We believe in being as transparent as possible on this site.
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The Japanese do not limit themselves to social events, but emphasize social obligations - gifts are given when you owe someone, family or business. Japan is unique in that it places more emphasis on the act of giving than on the gift itself. The value of the gift is less important than the presentation and thoughtfulness of the gift.
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We think this is something that people in Europe and America should consider. The rush to find the perfect gift (and rooted in our belief that perfect with the perfect medium means the most expensive one we can afford), the lines around the store, the jostling for the best deals.
Other Occasions
For years, chaos and artificially created limitations (buy before stock runs out, limited offer etc.) have left us hungry for more. And that's not to say that Japan is immune to the crime of consumerism. Far from it. What we are trying to emphasize is that we should all give great importance to thought while giving or receiving a gift.
In Japan, gifts are given on birthdays, weddings, births, graduations, and housewarmings. Children's achievements are also celebrated with prizes. Although not traditionally given for birthdays or Christmas, it is now associated with modern Japan. Gifts or omiyaz (souvenirs) are given to family, friends and colleagues when returning from a trip.These thank-you gifts are common for illnesses, funerals, weddings and births.
The value of this gift is usually equal to half the value of the original gift. Business gift giving in Japan is more extravagant and prestigious when modesty is not required. Companies spend a lot of money on gifts to impress their clients and customers.
With a gift giving business, you can almost feel the competition to give the most original gift. Some things to remember when giving gifts in a business situation: Two popular gift-giving occasions in Japan occur twice a year: Ochuzen originated as an offering to families who have died in the first half of the year, and another occurs two weeks before Oban, a Japanese holiday honoring the dead.
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