Gift-giving is an integral part of Japanese culture, and this tradition has been carried over to Japanese communities in diasporic communities across Australia and the USA.

The practice of gift-giving is deeply ingrained in Japanese society, and it is often seen as a way to express gratitude, respect, and social obligations.  

In this blog, we will explore how Japanese communities in Australia and the USA exchange gifts, the different festive moments in Japanese culture, and how their new cultural adjustment is happening around gift exchange. 

Festive Moments in Japanese Culture. 

Festivals and gift exchange in a year  

Japan has many festive moments throughout the year, and gift-giving is an essential part of these celebrations. Here are some of the most significant festive moments in Japanese culture: 

• New Year – In Japan, New Year is the most important holiday of the year. It is a time for families to come together, reflect on the past year, and make wishes for the coming year. During this time, it is customary to give nengajo (New Year’s postcards), otoshidama (money envelopes), and oseibo (end-of-the-year gifts) to friends, family, and colleagues. 
• White Day – White Day is a holiday that originated in Japan and is celebrated on March 14th. It is a day for men to give gifts to the women in their lives as a way to reciprocate the gifts they received on Valentine’s Day. 
• Children’s Day – Children’s Day is a national holiday celebrated on May 5th, and it is a day to celebrate the health and happiness of children. On this day, it is customary to give koinobori (carp streamers), which are colorful banners that symbolize strength and perseverance. 
• Tanabata – Tanabata is a festival that is celebrated on July 7th, and it is a day to celebrate the meeting of two mythical lovers, Orihime and Hikoboshi. On this day, it is customary to give tanzaku (small strips of paper) with wishes written on them, which are hung on bamboo branches. 

• Ochugen and Oseibo – Ochugen and Oseibo are two gift-giving occasions that are celebrated in Japan. Ochugen is celebrated in July, and it is a way to show gratitude to people who have helped you during the first half of the year. Oseibo is celebrated in December, and it is a way to show appreciation to people who have supported you throughout the year. 

What matters is not just gift but how it is presented  

Gifts in Japanese culture are not just about the gift itself, but also about the way it is presented. The wrapping of the gift is just as important as the gift itself, and it is customary to use high-quality wrapping paper and decorate it with ribbons and bows.

In Japanese culture, it is also considered impolite to open a gift in front of the person who gave it to you. 

When it comes to the value of gifts, the value of the gift is not as important as the thought that goes into it. Japanese culture values thoughtful gifts that reflect the recipient’s interests and needs.

For example, if you know someone who loves gardening, you might give them a set of gardening tools. If you know someone who loves to cook, you might give them a cookbook or kitchen gadget. 

Rose Gifts in Japanese Culture 

In Japanese culture, roses are not as popular as they are in Western cultures. However, they are still considered a beautiful and romantic flower, and they are often given as a gift on Valentine’s Day or White Day. Roses are also sometimes used as a symbol of apology or condolence. 

Rose gift in Japanese culture are not only poplar in Japan but also in the diasporic communities across other countries such as the USA and Australia.