Gift Giving Etiquette

Giving gifts is a deeply ritualized and significant activity in Japan. As important—and occasionally more so—than the gift itself is the presentation ceremony and the manner it is wrapped. There are many reasons to give gifts. It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on the gift, but you should be very careful when choosing what kind of gift to give.

Small cakes or premium chocolates are both appropriate options. Lilies, camellias, and lotus blossoms should not be given as they are connected with funerals. White flowers of any kind should also be avoided. Potted plants should not be given as they promote illness, however a bonsai tree is always allowed.

If you buy the gift in Japan, have it wrapped. Give products in odd numbers, but not 9 (the digits 9 and 4 are considered unlucky in Japan). The greatest options for wrapping paper are pastel hues. Gifts are not always opened right away.