Japan
- Gift-giving is highly ritualistic and meaningful.
- The ceremony of presenting the gift and the way it is wrapped is as important--sometimes more important—than the gift itself.
- Gifts are given for many occasions
- The gift need hot be expensive, but take great care to ask someone who understands the culture to help you decide what type of gift to give.
- Good quality chocolates or small cakes are good ideas.
- Do not give lilies, camellias or lotus blossoms as they are associated with funerals.
- Do not give white flowers of any kind as they are associated with funerals.
- Do not give potted plants as they encourage sickness, although a bonsai tree is always acceptable.
- Give items in odd number, but not 9.
- If you buy the gift in Japan, have it wrapped.
- Pastel colors are the best choices for wrapping paper.
- Gifts are not opened when received.