In Japan, gift-giving isn’t just about presents. It’s how relationships are maintained.
When to give, who to give to, what to give, how to give — there are rules. It looks complicated, but once you understand the basics, you’ll be fine.
This guide covers the essentials of Japanese gift-giving culture.
Why Japanese People Give Gifts
Japanese gift-giving is rooted in two concepts: giri (obligation) and kansha (gratitude).
Giri: Social obligation. If someone helps you, you give something back. Kansha: Expressing thanks in tangible form.
Gifts are a way to maintain relationships and show respect — in business and daily life.
Types of Gifts
Omiyage (Souvenirs)
When you return from a trip, you bring back something for your workplace and friends.
Key points:
- Individually wrapped, easy to share
- Local specialty of the place you visited
- Snacks that keep well are standard
“I didn’t bring omiyage” can be rude, especially at work. If you travel somewhere, bringing something back is an unspoken expectation.
Ochugen (Summer Gifts)
Given in summer (July to early August) to people you’re grateful to.
Who receives:
- Bosses, business partners
- Teachers, mentors
- Relatives
Common items:
- Beer, juice
- Ham, sausages
- Somen noodles, jelly
- Fruit
Usually ordered from a department store and delivered directly to the recipient.
Oseibo (Year-End Gifts)
Given at year-end (early to mid-December) to people you’re grateful to. Often the same recipients as ochugen.
Common items:
- Ham, sausages
- Seafood
- Oil, seasoning sets
- Coffee, tea
Oseibo is considered more important than ochugen. It’s also a year-end greeting.
Temiyage (Visiting Gifts)
Something you bring when visiting someone’s home.
Key points:
- Consider the recipient’s preferences
- Something that keeps well
- When handing it over, say “tsumaranai mono desu ga” (a humble expression)
“Tsumaranai mono desu ga” is a set phrase of modesty. You’re not actually giving something boring.
Uchiiwai (Return Gifts)
A return gift when you receive a celebration gift.
Examples:
- Return gift for wedding gifts
- Return gift for baby shower gifts
- Return gift for school entrance gifts
Typically, you return something worth half to one-third of what you received (called “hangaeshi”).
Kodengaeshi (Funeral Return Gifts)
A return gift when you receive condolence money (koden) at a funeral.
Usually sent after the 49th day. Choose “consumable” items (tea, sweets, towels, etc.).
Gift-Giving Taboos
Items to Avoid
| Item | Reason |
|---|---|
| Comb (kushi) | Sounds like “suffering” (ku) and “death” (shi) |
| Sets of 4 or 9 | 4 = death, 9 = suffering |
| White handkerchief | Associated with funerals |
| Knives, scissors | Suggests “cutting ties” |
| Shoes, socks | Suggests “stepping on” (especially bad for superiors) |
However, if the recipient specifically requests something, it’s fine.
Wedding Gift Rules
Wedding gifts have the strictest rules:
- No breakable items (plates, glasses) — suggests the marriage breaking
- No divisible items — odd numbers are preferred (can’t be split)
- No cutting items — suggests cutting ties
Cash Rules
Cash is appropriate in some situations (weddings, funerals).
Rules:
- Use new bills (for weddings)
- Use old bills (for funerals — shows you prepared quickly)
- Odd amounts are preferred (can’t be divided = won’t separate)
- Avoid 4 and 9
How to Give
Use Both Hands
Always present gifts with both hands. One hand is rude.
Remove from the Bag
The paper bag is for carrying. When presenting, take the item out and hand over just the gift.
Exception: If you meet outside and the recipient needs to carry it home, you can give the bag too.
Add a Phrase
- つまらないものですが (tsumaranai mono desu ga) — “It’s nothing special, but…”
- お口に合うかわかりませんが (okuchi ni au ka wakarimasen ga) — “I’m not sure if it’s to your taste, but…”
- ほんの気持ちですが (hon no kimochi desu ga) — “Just a small token…”
Use humble expressions. Don’t say “This is really amazing!”
How to Receive
Don’t Open Immediately
In Japan, you typically don’t open gifts in front of the giver. Open it later.
Exception: If the giver says “Please open it” or it’s food and they say “Let’s eat together.”
Consider a Return Gift
When you receive a gift, return something on another occasion. This is the cycle of giri.
If you receive ochugen, send oseibo. If you receive temiyage, bring something when you visit next.
Business Gifts
Gifts to Clients
Ochugen and oseibo are still important in business. Often sent as a company.
Caution:
- Don’t let it look like a bribe
- Check company rules
- Avoid overly expensive items
Souvenirs from Business Trips
Japanese people bring omiyage from business trips too.
Suggestions:
- Chocolate from that country
- Cookies, snacks
- Easy-to-share, individually wrapped items
Advice for Foreigners
You don’t need to be perfect. Japanese people understand that foreigners might not know all the rules.
Minimum to remember:
- Bring something when visiting someone’s home
- Present with both hands
- Add a humble phrase
- Don’t forget return gifts
It’s the thought that counts. Expensive isn’t necessary.
Related Articles
- First Time in Japan: What to Know
- Keigo: Your First Step Into Business Japanese
- How Long Does It Take to Learn Japanese?
Written by Ayaka Uchida – CEO of A-Digital Works, founder of Nihon GO! World.