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except, of course, that the gift you just presented to your Japanese business
partner not only squeezed your finances, it also took ages to choose because you
wanted it to perfectly match the recipient’s personal taste and company
rank.
In Japan, giving gifts is a time-honored practice,
surrounded by unwritten rules regarding how, when and what to give to whom. It
is also a central part of Japanese business etiquette, and frequently used by
businessmen to nurture relationships.
The key gift-giving seasons are Ochugen
in July and Oseibo in December. During these times, special advisers
at the thronging department stores help customers pick just the right thing for
friends, relatives, co-workers and business partners. Although these presents
tend to be in the ¥5,000–¥10,000 range, it can go far higher, particularly
in the business world or if there is a special favor to return.
When returning from a trip, visiting somebody’s
house or showing gratitude, the Japanese also commonly bring small gifts, such
as a cake, sweets or sake.
Crucially, all gifts are chosen with the utmost
care to suit the recipient’s taste, rank and life stage, and to avoid symbolisms—for
example, number four is associated with death, so gifts consisting of four pieces
are avoided.
The exchange is also more formal than in the
West, with emphasis on the giving, not the gift itself. Be it rice crackers or
prime-brand sake, the gift is typically first politely rejected, then accepted
with both hands and put aside to be opened later. Praising one’s own gift
is generally seen as boastful; instead, |
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