Job Discussion Forums

rickman · Joined: 17 Jun 2003 Posts: 28

Could someone please explain the etiquette of gift giving in Japan. When, why, what?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

That covers such a large area, that it is almost impossible to provide and answer on such a small discussion forum.

What situation(s) are you talking about?

Just so you don't think I'm being a real pain about this, visit these sites, which were easy to find with a simple web search.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2004.html
http://www.tjf.or.jp/eng/ge/ge06wrap.htm
http://www.worldvillage.org/gy/gyold/12003.html
http://www2.gol.com/users/kilburn/gifting.htm
http://www.wtco.osakawtc.or.jp/e/market/item/gifts_wid.html
http://www.electric-rain.net/NihonSun/Gifts.html

rickman · Joined: 17 Jun 2003 Posts: 28

Glenski, thak you for the links. I am comming over from America and would like to know if there are certain items I could bring that the Japanese would be interested in.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Probably the biggest items would be something depicting Ichiro or Matsui or other ballplayers (T shirts, mugs, etc.).

Someone once told me that American Indian gifts would be nice. So, keep your eyes open for dreamcatchers and the like.

Most of the time just a snack individually wrapped (like store bought cookies) as a local delicacy is sufficient. Maple flavored cookies from Canada and macadamia nuts from Hawaii are stereotypically popular. Flavored coffee is also welcome, especially hazelnut for some reason. And, with the dearth of decaf here, that would also be a winner.

A lot depends on who you plan to give it to.