Gift upon my arrival in Japan?

Question

I'll be working in a Japanese company as an intern for 1year starting in October. I heard it's pretty common to give gifts to your tutor and some other persons in the company that's welcoming you so I was wondering if there was a tradition in gifts or if I was free to choose whatever I'd like to offer...

Thanks!

Answer 1

gifting is very common in japan. it is sometimes considered impolite to arrive at someone's home without a gift. make sure it is wrapped on in a nice  shopping bag and that you offer it in private. they would think it was rude if you didn't bring a gift for everyone else. if you are at someone's home you should present the gift with both hands, preferably in the living room. offering something that is a pair is said to be lucky, but don't give everyone the same gift because some may see it as they are not worthy of it -because they all have the same gift...yeah weird huh? and the gift it's self does not have to be expensive at all. in fact giving them something expensive will embarrass them. they life to receive something that has a meaning to it. the gift can be a little trinket or souvenir from where you are from. they also like candy and little food treats, but don't offer any in groups of 4 or 9. they are unlucky numbers. don't give them flowers, house decorations or anything that they will feel obligated to wear ie: a ring. you can maybe give you boss a little bottle of sake. the act of giving and thought is good enough. also  expect the receiver to reject the gift, but keep offering it. it is expected of them to turn it down a few time. hope that helped a little.