Japanese Gift Giving Etiquette
A Guide to Japanese Gift Etiquette for Business Visitors
Navigating the intricacies of Japanese business etiquette is important for building and maintaining successful relationships with Japanese clients, colleagues and partners. One of the topics that we cover as part of our Japanese Business Etiquette training program is that of giving and receiving gifts when dealing with Japanese counterparts – and it is one of the topics that tends to be of concern for participants as the approach taken in Japan is quite different to that of most other countries.
This topic is also one of importance to our team at Shinka Management as we are frequent visitors to Japan, either supporting our clients with their market entry activities, or running our lean manufacturing tour programs in Japan. The latter especially requires us to be on top of gift giving etiquette, whether it be during initial meetings with Japanese companies where we are trying to develop a relationship with a potential future host company, or when we are showing appreciation to a company that has opened its doors to our clients on the tour program.
Understanding the nuances of gift giving can be daunting, especially for those unfamiliar with Japanese customs. This guide aims to demystify the practice of gift giving in Japan, helping our clients and readers understand when and what gifts to give, and how to present and receive them properly.
The Importance of Gift Giving in Japan
Gift giving in Japan is a deeply rooted cultural tradition, symbolizing respect, gratitude, and the fostering of relationships. This practice goes beyond mere formality and is an essential part of social and business interactions. Understanding the cultural significance of gift giving can enhance your relationships with Japanese counterparts and demonstrate your appreciation for their customs.
Cultural Significance
In Japan, gifts are often given to convey respect, gratitude, and a desire to strengthen relationships. The act of giving and receiving gifts is imbued with formality and etiquette, reflecting the value placed on harmony and mutual respect in Japanese society. Gift giving is not merely a gesture but an integral part of maintaining and enhancing social bonds.
The Gift-Giving Industry in Japan
The importance of gift giving is reflected in Japan’s robust gift industry. Wander into the basement level of department stores in Japan, known as “depachika“, and you’ll be greeted with a treasure trove of gourmet foods, exquisite treats, and beautifully packaged items perfect for gift giving. Depachikas are famous for their high-quality products, and they offer an array of options such as sweets and confectionaries, savory snacks and seasonal and regional delicacies.
Depachika
Depachika, short for “department store basement” in Japanese, is a term used to describe the food floors typically found in the basements of department stores in Japan. These bustling areas are renowned for their extensive variety of high-quality food items.
Depachikas are the convenient go-to destination for Japanese wishing to purchase a gift ahead of a visit to a friend or client, or when wishing to take a regional delicacy back to colleagues at the end of a business trip.
When to Give Gifts
Knowing the appropriate times to give gifts in Japan is crucial for maintaining proper etiquette. Here are some key occasions for gift giving:
Initial Meetings
When meeting a company for the first time, presenting a gift helps establish goodwill and a positive foundation for future collaboration. A thoughtful gift can leave a lasting impression and set the tone for a productive relationship. For example, presenting a beautifully wrapped box of high-quality chocolates or a local delicacy can convey your appreciation for the opportunity to meet.
Seasonal Times
Gift giving during mid-year (Ochugen) and year-end (Oseibo) seasons is a long-standing tradition in Japan. These gifts are usually given to express gratitude and appreciation to business partners, clients, colleagues, families and relatives. During these times, it’s common to see beautifully wrapped packages of sweets, fruits, and other delicacies being exchanged.
Thank You Gifts
After receiving a favor or hospitality, giving a thank you gift is a polite way to show appreciation. For instance, if a business partner has gone out of their way to assist you, a small gift such as a box of traditional Japanese sweets or a selection of fine teas can express your gratitude.
Returning from a Trip
Known as “omiyage,” bringing back souvenirs from domestic or international trips is a common courtesy. Omiyage typically consists of regional specialties, such as local sweets, snacks, or crafts. For example, if you’ve visited Kyoto, bringing back yatsuhashi (a type of traditional sweet) would be well received.
Special Occasions
Marking the closure of a deal, company anniversaries, or personal milestones with a gift is well-regarded. Gifts for these occasions can range from commemorative items to high-quality goods that reflect the significance of the event. For example, a beautifully crafted business card holder or a high-end pen can make a memorable gift.
Weddings and Births
While gifts are typical for these events, they follow specific customs that differ from general business etiquette. For weddings, monetary gifts in special envelopes are customary, while for births, practical items for the baby or parents are appreciated.
Christmas and New Year
Unlike Western traditions, Japanese people typically exchange gifts only in romantic relationships during Christmas. New Year’s cards (nengajo) are a common practice instead, with families and businesses sending cards to express good wishes for the coming year.
When Not to Give Gifts
Understanding when not to give gifts is as important as knowing when to give them. Here are some instances where gift giving should be avoided:
During Business Negotiations
As is the case in many western countries, gifts can be perceived as bribery during negotiations in Japan. It’s best to avoid giving gifts until the negotiation process is complete to prevent any misunderstandings or ethical concerns.
Before a Deal is Closed
Presenting a gift before a deal is finalized may seem presumptuous and could be interpreted as trying to influence the decision. It’s better to wait until after the deal is secured to offer a token of appreciation.
What Type of Gift is Appropriate for a Business Meeting with Japanese?
Each culture is different when it comes to selecting gifts, and it can be difficult to know what is and isn’t appropriate. In China, clocks must be avoided as they wish the recipient an early death. Similarly, in Russia, the giving of an even number of flowers is reserved for funerals, and in Brazil, the colors purple and black are associated with mourning.
The following are some ideas for gifts that will generally be appropriate in a Japanese business context.
Food Items
Food items are among the most common and appreciated gifts in Japan, and can be particularly useful when attending a business meeting with Japanese clients or colleagues. Chocolates, sweets, or regional delicacies that can be shared among a group are ideal choices. To make sharing easier, it is recommended that you select items with a longer shelf life and that are individually wrapped if possible. For example, a beautifully packaged selection of gourmet chocolates from your hometown can be a delightful and thoughtful gift.
Japanese business people will often choose items such as yokan (sweet bean jelly), senbei (rice crackers), wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionary) or even castella cake (a popular sponge cake originally from Portugal but now ubiquitous in Japan). Green tea, coffee (pre-ground for use with filters) or even sake can also be popular choices.
Alcohol
High-quality beverages like wine or whiskey (spelled “whisky” in Japan due to the influence of the Scotch tradition), particularly if they are specialties from your region, make excellent gifts. Such items can reflect your local heritage and offer a taste of your country. Whilst selections of food are easy to share in the workplace and are useful as gifts when meeting with groups of people, a bottle of wine or whiskey can be appropriate as a gift when meeting a counterpart one-on-one.
Regional Products
Items representative of your hometown, such as local crafts or gourmet foods, can make unique and memorable gifts. For example, if you come from a region known for its artisanal biscuits or handmade ceramics, these items can serve as a meaningful token of your appreciation.
Although Japan is not as strict as countries such as Australia, New Zealand and USA, there are various biosecurity-related restrictions to be aware of when bringing foods into Japan, that relate to fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy products and processed foods. It is worth checking the official website of Japan Customs and the more user-friendly Japan National Tourism Organization website to ensure you comply with Japanese laws when bringing food or other items into the country.
Purchasing Last-Minute Gifts
If you are traveling to Japan for pre-arranged business meetings, it is always best to bring some gifts from your home country. However, if you do not have gifts with you from back home – don’t despair. Last-minute gifts can be purchased from most major train stations and department store basements.
Your hotel will also likely have one or more gift-orientated shops within its premises, selling senbei (crackers), wagashi (sweets) and other packaged food goods. Be sure to purchase the product wrapped and request a gift bag if not provided.
Japanese Gift Etiquette and Presentation
How you present a gift is as important as the gift itself. Proper presentation shows respect and consideration for Japanese customs.
Who Gives the Gift?
When attending a meeting, it is usually the visitor (guest) that takes a gift for the host. The hosts are not expected to provide a gift, but instead will provide hospitality in the form of providing the meeting venue, and coffee or a small sweet during the meeting.
If attending a meeting together with colleagues, usually the most senior member from your group will provide the gift to the most senior member of the host group.
Wrapping
Gifts should be wrapped and placed in a bag. Japanese wrapping is an art form, often using elegant paper and decorative ribbons. Whilst we may not be able to match the Japanese in this respect, for important occassions, the effort put into wrapping a gift can reflect the giver’s respect and care.
For business meetings with existing clients or colleagues, in many cases the wrapping and the gift bag provided by the shop that sold you the item will be sufficient.
Handing Over
Use both hands to offer the gift, and do so with humility. Generally the right hand will hold the handle of the gift bag, and the left hand will be placed below the bag. The act of handing over a gift with both hands signifies respect and sincerity. Accompany the gesture with a slight bow and a few words of appreciation.
If the item being presented has significance, such as a regional delicacy from your hometown, you may wish to let the recipient know what the gift is.
Timing
For a courtesy business visit, the best time to give a gift is considered to be after the exchange of business cards and initial greetings. However, depending on the purpose of the meeting, you may wish to hold off presenting gifts until at the end of a meeting. This timing ensures that the gift is seen as a token of appreciation rather than an attempt to influence the outcome of the meeting.
Receiving Gifts
Accept gifts with both hands and express gratitude. It’s customary not to unwrap the gift in front of the giver, as this can be seen as impolite. Instead, thank the giver and set the gift aside to be opened later.
Conclusion
Understanding and practicing proper gift-giving etiquette can significantly impact your business relationships in Japan. By respecting these traditions, you demonstrate cultural awareness and respect, which are highly valued in Japanese society. Whether you’re visiting Japan or hosting Japanese visitors, adhering to these customs can foster positive and lasting relationships.
FAQ – Japanese Gift Giving Etiquette
Should I give a gift to everyone I meet at a Japanese company?
It’s not necessary to give individual gifts. A single, well-chosen gift for the company, such as a shareable food item, is appropriate. For example, a large box of assorted chocolates can be shared among team members.
What should I avoid giving as a gift?
Avoid gifts that are too personal or extravagant. Items associated with death or bad luck, such as combs (which sound like the word for ‘suffering death’ in Japanese) or items in sets of four (the number four sounds like the word for ‘death’), should also be avoided.
Is it necessary to spend a lot on gifts?
The thought and presentation matter more than the price. Choose something that reflects your respect and appreciation. A well-presented, moderately priced gift can be more meaningful than an expensive one that lacks thoughtfulness.
Can I give a business card as part of the gift?
It’s common to exchange business cards (meishi) at the start of meetings. Business cards are not part of the gift-giving process. Ensure that the exchange of business cards is done formally, with both hands, when you first meet your counterparts.
What should I do if I receive a gift?
Accept the gift with both hands and express your gratitude. It’s customary not to unwrap the gift in front of the giver. Instead, thank them and set the gift aside to be opened later, showing your appreciation for their gesture.
Especially if you are hosting the meeting, don’t be embarrassed if you haven’t provided a gift. Likewise, you needn’t feel obliged to quickly purchase an item in order to reciprocate. It is customary for the visitor to provide the gift, not the host.
Learn more about Japanese business culture and manners in our Guide to Japanese Business Culture and Etiquette.
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