Business Travel to Japan: Giving Gifts
Friday, February 9th, 2007
In Japanese culture, gift giving receives high importance. If you have business travel to Japan, it is important to remember to bring gifts with you, so as not to seem rude. You do not have to be extravagant about gift giving; the giving is more important than the gift itself. Here are some things to remember when business travel takes you to Japan:
- Bring multiple presents. You want to make sure that you have plenty of gifts, so that when someone gives you something you will be prepared. And do not bring the same gift for everyone.
- Keep gifts hidden. Wrapped gifts should be kept in an inconspicuous place, such as a shopping bag. It is considered rude to be ostentatious when preparing to present a gift. Also, note that presents are opened in private in Japan. This helps the gift-giver “save face” if the gift is inappropriate. Also note that gifts should be given in private when possible.
- Gifts to Japanese business associates should be given at the end of the business, not at the beginning. Save your gift until your Japanese business travel is reaching its conclusion.
- Present gifts with both hands.
- The proper phrase, when offering a gift in Japan, is “tsumaranai mon.” This basically means that the gift is of small moment, indicating that the person, and the relationship with the person, is far more important than the gift.
Proper etiquette in business travel is important, especially when traveling to cultures where high emphasis is placed on politeness and ceremony. Visit this Web site for more insight into Business travel and Japan.
Learn Japanese gift wrap here.
Tags: business travel, business travel Japan, etiquette business travel, giving gifts Japan,
Japanese culture
