The Art of Giving Receiving Gifts in Japan
Japanese Souvenir Giving. Read most Japan's gift giving culture including at Japanese weddings, New year's day and primal money.
Gift Giving in Japan
Text and photos past Aliona Jefimova
Souvenirs on sale in Asakusa in Tokyo
Foreigners who come to Nippon may be surprised past how oftentimes they receive gifts on numerous occasions, sometimes without any particular reason.
The tradition of exchanging gifts in Nippon has a venerable history and is extremely of import in relationships between people. Whereas receiving a gift is nearly always a pleasant experience, information technology can also be overwhelming since the gift brings with it the unstated assumption that y'all are expected to give something in return.
When are gifts given?
Whereas in the West people usually exchange gifts on birthdays, Christmas, and Valentine's Twenty-four hours, in Nihon these occasions are not considered "traditional" every bit they have come from the Westward. Withal, they are becoming popular among increasingly Westernized' Japanese young people. In the past anybody'south altogether was celebrated on the aforementioned twenty-four hour period New year. Thus, the tradition of giving a gift on the actual day of birth originated in the West.
The uniquely Japanese gift giving occasions are Ochugen (given between the 1st and 13th of July) and Oseibo (given at the end of the year). The latter is a time to requite a present to one'due south dominate to express gratitude for employment.
Another "unique" tradition is "central money" money presented to your landlord at the beginning of the tenancy understanding, as if to say: Thank you lot for letting me rent your room. This money is oftentimes used to repair whatsoever damages the tenant may (or may non) have caused when he leaves--and is never refunded.
Omiyage.
Children are given Otoshidama on New year's day's Day, which is ever a packet of money. Japanese children rarely receive toys or sweets on New Year's the traditional present is money.
One of the most burdensome traditions is omiyage - the gifts yous bring back from even the shortest trip. This stokes the perception abroad that Japanese are very rich and do not care virtually money.
Well-nigh of these souvenirs are not for the buyer, but for other people. It is extremely important non to forget anyone, equally they might be offended and the relationship could worsen. Some other vital betoken is that the omiyage should be produced in the surface area the person traveled to it does not have to be anything big or expensive, a local fruit or a fundamental ring with an image of the local attraction would suffice.
Giving gifts at weddings, the nascency of a child, or a funeral is good in many Western countries, but not via the postal system. For these occasions most Japanese would prefer giving money, and the amount depends on your relationship to the person. Some time later on after the anniversary, you will receive a box of cookies, whiskey, cooking oil, chocolates, coffee, or lather--in the mail. Nowadays there are special gift delivery services all over Japan that have wide range of gifts.
Money is usually presented in a special envelope (noshibukuro) tied with a cord. Earlier buying an envelope, brand sure you know which kind of envelope you should give for the particular occasion. The black envelope for a funeral, for example, would evidently not be advisable at a wedding.
Gifts of cash are common in Japan. While giving money to a instructor to express gratitude for teaching one's child might be considered a bribe in the W, in Japan it is not unusual. A new company employee, in addition, may be given a substantial corporeality of money to cover the expenses of moving to some other urban center.
Souvenir Presentation
Thus, it is important to remember when and what to give; withal, you also should not forget that the presentation of the gift itself is extremely important in Japan. There is even an expression "Japanese wrapping culture." In full general, the content of the gift is non as of import as presentation.
What kind of gift should you lot give?
All things considered, there are many things you lot should beware of when y'all give or receive gifts in Nihon. If yous are not sure, the simplest thing to do is ask a Japanese friend.
Things to recollect when giving a gift:
Books on Japanese Gift Giving
Gift-Giving in Japan: Greenbacks, Connections, CosmologiesGift Wrapping: Artistic Ideas from Japan
Japanese Gifts
Articles by Aliona Jefimova
Shugakuin Imperial Villa
Katsura Majestic Villa
Kyoto's Jidai Matsuri, The Festival of the AgesKyoto's Nishijin Textile Eye
Books on Japanese Culture
Source: https://www.japan-experience.com/plan-your-trip/to-know/understanding-japan/gift-giving