Japanese Business Etiquette places great importance on maintaining harmonious relationships. One way to express appreciation and strengthen these relationships is through the practice of giving souvenirs, known as omiyage (お土産). But when it comes to paid leave, is it necessary to bring back souvenirs for your colleagues? This article explores the expectations and etiquette surrounding this practice within the context of Japanese business culture.
If you want to learn more about Japanese culture, please check out the article below.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Do I Need to Give Souvenirs to Colleagues?
Whether you need to buy souvenirs for colleagues depends on the company’s culture. In many Japanese workplaces, it’s common to bring omiyage (souvenirs) for your department or for those who have supported you. If you’re new to the company, it’s a good idea to ask your colleagues what the usual practice is.
| English | Kanji | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
|
souvenirs |
お土産 |
Omiyage |
Chapter 2: Why Do People Buy Souvenirs During Paid Leave?
In Japanese business etiquette, taking paid leave is certainly accepted, but it often carries a sense of responsibility towards colleagues who may have covered your work. Bringing back omiyage is a way to express gratitude and maintain harmonious relationships. While not a strict requirement, this unwritten expectation is commonly observed in Japanese business culture.
Chapter3: How to Choose Souvenirs for Colleagues
When picking omiyage (souvenirs) for your colleagues, keep these tips in mind:
Packaging: Instead of buying a gift for each person, it’s common to buy one box of souvenirs for the whole department. Choose items that are individually wrapped inside the box, like sweets or snacks, so they can be easily shared.
Regional Specialties: Every region in Japan is known for specific foods or products. These make great souvenirs and show where you’ve been.
Edible Gifts: Snacks and sweets are popular because they’re easy to share with the team.
Small and Thoughtful: The gift doesn’t need to be expensive. Small, well-packaged items that represent the place you visited are perfect.
Shelf Life: Pick something with a shelf life of about a week, so everyone has time to enjoy it, even if they’re not in the office right away.
Chapter4: How to Present Souvenirs
The way you give omiyage is just as important as the gift itself. Here’s how to do it:
Timing: Give your souvenirs on the day you return to work after your leave. Choose a moment that isn’t too busy, like during lunch or a break.
Etiquette: When handing out the omiyage, especially if someone covered your work, thank them with a simple phrase like “お休み中ありがとうございました。” (Oyasumi-chū arigatou gozaimashita, “Thank you for covering for me while I was away”) and “少しですがどうぞ” (Sukoshi desu ga dōzo, “It’s not much, but please enjoy”). This small gesture is polite and appreciated.
Chapter 5: What are the typical souvenirs?
At Shinkansen stations and airports, you’ll find many souvenirs. Here are examples of typical ones from each prefecture that make great gifts for colleagues.
Hokkaido
Shiroi Koibito are cookies with a layer of white chocolate sandwiched between two buttery cookies. They are a staple souvenir from Hokkaido, known for their elegant packaging and delicious taste.
Photo: Amazon.co.jp
Tokyo
Tokyo Banana is a sponge cake filled with rich banana-flavored custard. It’s a popular and iconic souvenir from Tokyo, known for its delightful taste and charming packaging.
Photo: Amazon.co.jp
Nagoya
Yukari Ebi Senbei are shrimp-flavored rice crackers that are a popular souvenir from Nagoya. These crispy, savory treats are made with dried shrimp and seasoned to perfection, offering a distinct taste of Nagoya’s culinary specialty.
Photo: Amazon.co.jp
Osaka
Calbee Jagarico Takoyaki Flavor is a snack that combines the fun of Jagarico, a popular snack in Japan, with the iconic taste of Osaka’s famous takoyaki (octopus balls). These are crunchy, cup-shaped potato snacks with a savory takoyaki seasoning, offering a unique and tasty representation of Osaka’s street food culture.
Photo: Amazon.co.jp
Fukuoka
Tsurunoko is a popular sweet from Fukuoka with a texture similar to marshmallows—soft and sweet on the outside, with a bean paste filling inside. Its light and airy nature makes it a convenient and delightful souvenir.
Photo: Amazon.co.jp
