Japanese Gift Giving
The practice of Japanese gift giving can be quite complex, but it is essential to have a basic grasp of this important Japanese custom when visiting Japan or interacting with Japanese people.
In Japan, gifts are given on many occasions, including when visiting the home of a Japanese friend or the business office of a client or customer, when going on a trip and coming back to a home you are staying at or a place of work, or when someone has done you a favor. In Japan, it can actually be considered impolite to not give gifts on such occasions, so make sure to cover your bases and have some gifts ready in these situations.
The most common type of Japanese gift to give is called omiyage, which is a gift that was produced in or represents the place the giver has traveled from. So if you’re just arriving from, say, Australia, a nice quality gift that is representative of something from that country will be highly appreciated.
Popular items to give as omiyage include candies and chocolates, rice crackers, wine or other alcoholic beverages for those who enjoy them, and even high-quality, in-season fruit!
This same rule holds true for travel within Japan. In fact, the Japanese have a word, meibutsu, that essentially means “the prized or feature item of each locality.” In Japan, most localities have at least one locally produced item that is the pride of that area. If you’re in Japan long enough, eventually someone is bound to ask you where you’re from and what the meibutsu of your hometown is.
Japanese people are always interested in hearing about the meibutsu of different areas, and love receiving them even more, so when traveling within Japan or arriving from abroad, your best gift option may be to select one or more meibutsu from where you have just arrived.
Where to Buy Gifts in Japan
When buying a meibutsu within Japan, most localities have gift shops with ornately packaged items that are perfect for gifts. Frequently these gift shops are located within that locality’s train station for last-minute shopping convenience. When in doubt, just ask a local what the area’s meibutsu is.
Another great place to find gifts is the lower level food section of Japan’s major department stores. These department stores, which are also frequently found within or near train stations, particularly in urban areas, also carry a wide variety of elaborately packaged cookies and candies and other food items for you to choose from. Gifts like these are sure to please your intended recipient.
Just remember, when returning from travel and when visiting a Japanese home or office of a business counterpart, keep in mind Japan’s custom of gift giving and give a gift!
