In Japan, there are two seasons when gifts are usually given, one in summer and one in winter. The gifts are called o-chugen and o-seibo, which represent your appreciation and gratitude for the kindness they have shown you during that year, and can be given to anyone you meet.

The custom of giving o-chugen is said to have originated in ancient China, where three days were used to give offerings to the gods. Chugen, one of the three days, happens to be the same day for the Japanese where gifts were offered to their ancestors. Finally, the exchange of gifts became a new custom of o-chugen, where gifts were given during the summer.

O-seibo, on the other hand, refers to the end of the year. The custom was for married daughters to visit their parents, or extended families to visit the head of the family. They brought offerings to welcome the spirits of their ancestors on New Years. However, later people also paid visits to the people they helped during the year as a way of thanking them for being part of the custom. Today, people give gifts as thanks for the help they received.

Traditional gifts from Japan used for this custom would be food or daily staples such as beer, canned food, or condiments. There are some gifts that are not recommended to be given, as gifts are shoes that suggest being stepped on and watches or writing utensils that suggest one should be encouraged to be diligent. However, regardless of whether they are traditional gifts from Japan or something else, it is best to give the recipient something that they would like.

Since the tradition is to show gratitude to those who have supported you, it is also polite to give a gift if you receive one. That’s why the beginning and end of the year will be a busy season of giving.