How to Create a Japanese Gift Basket For Your Business

Maintaining a business-client partnership is important when running a company, especially in Japan. And with more than half of companies increasing their gifting budget, what better way to show your appreciation than with a gift basket?

We’ll give you a quick rundown of the gift-giving culture in Japan, the overall benefits of sending a gift basket, and top gift ideas to add to a Japanese gift basket.

The importance of gift giving culture in Japan

In the Japanese language, there are many terms for specific gift-giving situations. Let’s take a look at the most common ones.

Omiyage and temiyage

The Japanese word for omiyage (お土産 ) refers to giving souvenirs to someone after a trip or vacation, and temiyage (手土産) is a small Japanese thank you gift.

These are usually given to loved ones and friends.

Ochugen and oseibo

Ochugen (お中元) and oseibo (お歳暮) are both Japanese seasonal gifting occasions. Ochugen is for the middle of the year, and oseibo is for the end of the year. 

Both of these are traditional Japanese gift-giving customs. And it's a great way to show your appreciation to your partner companies and clients. 

Of course, you are not obligated to give something during these times of year, and sending mid-year and year-end gifts are on the decline in Japan, but it's the sentiment that counts.

What are the benefits of sending a gift basket?

Here are the 3 main reasons for sending a Japanese gift basket:

1. Build stronger business relationships.

Giving a gift basket to your business partners will show that you are thankful for the current relationship you have with them. 

Sending gifts has improved overall relationships as the recipient will feel valued leading to better loyalty, retention, communication and trust for the future.

2. Express appreciation.

In general, corporate gift baskets are a great way to show your appreciation for the current and future partnerships you have.

In a Japanese cultural context, gift baskets will have a much deeper meaning. Even though ochugen and oseibo are a bit old fashioned, there is still the general omiyage and temiyage to show you that you value your relationship with your colleagues.

3. Enhance brand image.

Sending a Japanese gift basket with high-quality, well-presented items can significantly enhance your brand image.

With a variety of gifts and delivered in a timely manner, such actions will show the time and effort you’ve invested in your relationship with them.

Top gift ideas from Japan

If you have a business in Japan, it’s a good idea to create a more Japanese-style gift basket for your clients. Whether it’s items or food, here are some Japanese gift basket ideas for you to include.

1. Sweets and snacks

Shokuniya Itami Airport Store

Japanese sweets and snacks are the easiest Japanese gifts to add.

For one, they can be bought anywhere from airports, major train stations, and even department stores. Japanese snacks come in a variety of styles. They can be traditional, modern, sweet, savory, crunchy, soft, and most of all, delicious.

You can even specialize your Japanese snack gift from the region you are located. For example, if your business is in Aomori, then apple-flavored sweets and snacks are the way to go.

A delicious gourmet basket that anyone is willinging to eat.

2. Japanese alcohol

Sumiyoshi sake 

Well known alcoholic drinks of Japan, such as sake (Japanese rice wine) or umeshu (Japanese plum liqueur), or any kind of spirits, is a classic business gift.

Such gifts are sophisticated, elegant, shareable, and customizable if you know your client’s preferred types.

Please note that sending alcoholic gift baskets to the United States is prohibited, while shipping internationally have various regulations. But shipping domestically within Japan is fine. Be sure to follow your courier’s rules about shipping alcohol.

3. Japanese-style knick knacks

Mamegui store 

Knick knacks are small decorative items, and these are perfect to add some traditional flare to your gift basket.

General items can be a handkerchief, chopsticks, fans, and ceramic plates or bowls. There are also more specific Japanese souvenirs such as the maneki-nekos (lucky cat), daruma dolls, and okiagari koboshi dolls.

4. Personalized note

Adding a personalized note is a great addition to a Japanese gift basket as it will add a human touch to the overall gift. 

In closing

Whether you are curating gourmet gift baskets, a fun snacks box with knick-knacks, or a combination of everything, don’t underestimate the power of a Japanese gift basket. Your clients and partners will not only remember the exquisite items you've chosen, but also the sentiment behind them.

So, create a meaningful Japanese gift basket that drives your business to continuous success.