The following are some guidelines to keep in mind when doing business with the Japanese:
* Gifts need not be extravagant, although expensive gifts are not viewed as a bribe.
* When meeting with a group of Japanese professionals, be sure to give higher quality gifts to those with more senior rank within the company.
* Always wrap the gifts you present, but remember to avoid white and brightly colored wrapping paper. White symbolizes death and bright colors are too flashy.
* Never surprise the Japanese recipient with your gift. Subtly alert the recipient that you would like to present a small memento.
* When presenting a group gift, be sure to allow time for the entire group to gather before making the presentation. When meeting with a group of Japanese colleagues, either present a group gift or a gift to each individual within the organization.
It is considered extremely rude to present a gift to one individual in a group, without giving gifts to the rest of the ensemble.
* Downplay the importance of the gift. This is common in the Asian culture. It conveys the message that the relationship is more important than the gift
* Always present the gift with two hands. This is also true with presenting business cards.
* Avoid giving gifts in sets of four. The word "four" in Japanese is "shi," which is also associated with the word for death.
* Gifts are normally exchanged at the end of the visit.
* Avoid giving monetary gifts or gifts displaying company logos.
* Be certain that gifts are of unquestionable quality.
* Business gifts should be given at midyear (July 15) and at year-end (January 1).
* Products that are difficult to obtain in Japan. This could be something not sold in Japan, or something that is extremely expensive.
* Gifts that reflect the recipient's interests and tastes.
* Pens are highly appropriate gifts for Japanese colleagues. First, the pen is a symbol of knowledge in the Japanese culture. Second, a pen is a lightweight gift that is easy to pack and carry when traveling abroad.
