How to Give & Receive Gifts in Japan

In Japan, choosing the right gifts from Japan isn’t just about buying something; it’s a way to show care and respect. 

Whether it’s your first trip to Japan, a business visit, a meeting with a romantic interest,  or even if you’re moving there, you’ll quickly see how important Japanese gift culture is. It’s all about making connections stronger and showing kindness. But, if you’re not familiar with the culture, figuring out the best Japanese presents can seem tricky.

We’ve put together a guide to help when buying gifts for Japan lovers or your Japanese friends. This includes what you should and shouldn’t do, the best times to give gifts, and some top Japanese gift ideas that are sure to impress.

Rules for Japanese Presents

The tradition of giving and receiving Japanese presents comes with its own set of rules to ensure everyone feels respected and happy. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Giving Gifts:

• Numbers Matter: Choosing the number of items carefully is important because gifts in sets of 4 or 9 are unlucky, while pairs are considered lucky and are perfect for traditional Japanese gifts.
• Use Both Hands: When giving a Japanese gift, presenting it with both hands is a sign of utmost respect.
• Give in Private: It’s more polite to give your Japanese presents privately, especially if not everyone in the group will receive one. This is important for maintaining harmony and respect among friends and colleagues.
• Timing: The perfect time to present gifts from Japan is at the end of your visit or meeting. It shows thoughtfulness and that you value the time spent together.

Receiving Gifts:

• Say No Nicely First: In Japanese culture, it’s common to politely refuse a gift a couple of times before accepting it. This shows humility and respect for the giver’s generosity.
• Take with Both Hands: Accepting gifts with both hands is just as important as giving with them. It shows appreciation and gratitude.
• Open Later: Opening gifts in private is a sign of respect for the giver, making it a thoughtful gesture to wait until later.
• Give Back: If you receive a gift, remember to offer a gift in return at your next meeting. This is a key part of Japanese gift exchange etiquette and helps strengthen relationships.

When to Give Japanese Gifts

Japan has special gift-giving occasions that are unique and meaningful. Here are some moments when giving Japanese presents is appreciated:

• Ochugen and Oseibo: These are traditional times to send gifts to people you care about, showing appreciation and thanks.
• Okaeshi: After receiving a gift, it’s customary to give a thank-you gift in return, which is a thoughtful way to show gratitude.
• Omiyage and Meibutsu: These are gifts or souvenirs from travels, perfect for sharing your experiences with others. They are an excellent way to bring a piece of your journey to your friends and family.
• Temiyage: When visiting someone’s home, it’s a good idea to bring a small gift to show respect and appreciation. This could be one of the traditional Japanese gifts or something simple yet thoughtful.

How to Wrap Japanese Presents

Wrapping gifts from Japan is an art in itself, reflecting the thought and care put into the gift. Here are some tips to ensure your gifts for Japan lovers are beautifully presented:

• Make It Pretty: Adding ribbons and bows can make your Japanese gift ideas look even more special and are a sign of care.
• Use Furoshiki: Wrapping gifts in Furoshiki, traditional Japanese wrapping cloths, adds a touch of tradition and sustainability to your presents.
• Pick Soft Colours: Choosing pastel colours for wrapping paper is preferable, as it’s modest and visually appealing, perfect for gifts for Japanese friends.
• Avoid Red: Since red can have different cultural connotations in Japan, it’s safer to choose other colours for wrapping your Japanese presents.

Gift Ideas

Looking for the right gifts from Japan can be exciting. Here are some universally loved ideas that fit various occasions:

• Food & Drink: These are always welcome and can range from sweets and teas to spirits. They’re ideal as gifts for Japan lovers who appreciate the country’s culture.
• Clothes: Season-appropriate clothing like sweaters or hats can be a thoughtful choice, especially as gifts for Japanese friends preparing for a change in season.
• Money: On occasions like New Year or weddings, money given in a special envelope is a traditional and practical gift.
• Gift Sets: Japan offers a variety of gift sets that cater to different interests, from food and drink hampers to spa kits, making them perfect for gifts from Japan.
• Souvenirs: Choosing souvenirs that represent the place you’ve visited is great for omiyage and meibutsu, allowing you to share a piece of your experience.
• Home Items: When visiting someone’s home for the first time, items for the house like towels or decorations can show your gratitude and respect.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know the basics of selecting and giving Japanese presents, you’re all set to participate in this meaningful cultural exchange.

Whether you’re looking for traditional Japanese gifts or just wanting to know more about the culture, remembering these tips will help you make thoughtful and respectful choices.

If you’re interested in Japanese culture and are think you could teach English in Japan, take a look at our ALT scheme!