Gift-Giving in Japan

Assignment #1

Gift-Giving in Japan

What gifts might be appropriate for Japan in a business relationship?

In the Japanese culture, for a business setting, some gifts are more appropriate than others. Choosing the right gift depends less on the cost factor and more on the thoughtfulness that the giver remembered the recipient. Gifts typically are something that reflects the interest and tastes of the recipient. There are many gifts that are considered appropriate for a Japanese business setting: food, alcohol, and Americana.

Most gifts are things that are not to be kept and cherished rather used and consumed quickly and forgotten, like food. Food is a common gift to the Japanese. Appropriate food items include; gourmet meats, fresh fruits, candy, and cookies. Gourmet meats such as frozen steaks from America are especially common for a business relationship. Fresh fruits from the host country are another common gift. Expensive and non-expensive candies from the host and visiting country are another common modest gift.

Alcohol gifts are appropriate when dealing with the Japanese in a business relationship. Imported beers from the country visiting are very common. Imported spirits or fine wines are also modest gifts. Imported scotch, cognac, bourbon, and brandy of top quality brands only are especially an appropriate gift.

Americana items from outside Japan are another form of appropriate gifts. Name brand prestigious foreign items, such as; watches, cuff-links, paintings, miniature statutes, and desk sets are considered appropriate gifts when dealing with the Japanese in a business setting.

When should gifts be given, generally speaking?

Although the Japanese culture of gift giving may be a lot different than what we are used to in America today, it is a significant aspect of their everyday life. The act of giving a gift is not alien to us; it's just not as widely used in American today as it is in other cultures. It's important to be aware of when to give and receive gifts in Japan.

In general, gifts are given not only on holidays but even when visiting a friend at their house or even a neighbor on any given day. On Valentine's Day, it is customary for single women to give men chocolate to show affection of the man she is connected to. Men, who receive these chocolates, reciprocate with a gift a month later on "White Day". If you plan on attending a wedding or a funeral in Japan, it is customary to give a gift of monetary value to the receiver. Gifts called O-Kaeshi (meaning "Thank you") are then sent back in return of the gift received. The value of this gift usually equals half of the value of the original gift given. The two main holidays that are major gift-giving days are Ochugan, meaning the middle of the year (July 15), and Oseibo which falls in the beginning of the year (January 1). Ochugan was originally known for an offering for families who had lost a loved one in the first half of the year. However this holiday still takes place 2 weeks before Obon, the Japanese holiday for honoring the dead; but is now celebrated amongst colleagues as celebrating the middle of the year. The second Monday in January is "Coming of Age Day". This holiday is celebrated for the youth who have reached the age of 20. Buddhist prayer beads are a common gift to give during this holiday. For children celebrations, like birthdays, electronic gifts of some sort are the recommended item for this occasion. When giving gifts to the sick, flowers are customary and are the most popular gift to bring to the hospital. However, potted plants are seen as inappropriate because it is the belief that the illness with take a "deeper root".

What about gift giving if you're visiting the country in question on business?

Not only is gift giving important amongst Japanese culture, but also it is also important for Americans to understand the etiquette, in case