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Introduction: What is Oseibo?
Oseibo (お歳暮) is a special Japanese custom of sending gifts to people you are indebted to during the year-end season.
It is more than just a present; it is a profound way to express deep gratitude for their support and kindness over the past year and to wish for continued good relations in the New Year.
The word Oseibo literally means “year-end.”
| Core Meaning | Expression of Gratitude |
| Year-End Appreciation | “Thank you very much for your kindness throughout the year.” |
| Pledge for the Future | “We hope for our continued relationship in the coming year.” |
📅 The Timing: When to Send Your Appreciation
Oseibo is traditionally meant to arrive before the end of the year.
| Region | Recommended Timing |
| General Window | December 10th to December 20th is considered the most polite period. |
| Kanto Area (Tokyo) | Early December to December 31st |
| Kansai Area (Osaka, Kyoto) | Around December 13th to December 31st |
💡 Practical Tip: What if You Miss the Deadline? (The “Cold Weather” Rule)
If the gift cannot reach the recipient by the end of the year (December 31st), you should not send it as Oseibo.
Instead, you must change the purpose to “Kan-chu Omimai” (寒中御見舞 – Mid-Winter Greetings).
- When to send Kan-chu Omimai: After the New Year holidays (usually January 7th) until the beginning of spring (around February 4th).
🛍️ Gift Selection and Delivery Etiquette
3-1. Gift Selection and The Department Store Advantage
Oseibo gifts are typically household items, food, or drinks, chosen with the recipient’s lifestyle in mind.
Popular items include beer, coffee, cured meats, or local delicacies.
- The Department Store Advantage: For important people or business partners, sending the gift through a high-end Japanese department store (Hyakkaten) is highly recommended.
Department stores are known for their strict quality control and meticulous wrapping, conveying a strong sense of respect and seriousness.
3-2. Hand Delivery vs. Shipping (The Modern Choice)
- Shipping (Delivery): This is the most common method today, as it is considerate of the recipient’s busy schedule and avoids burdening them with a personal visit.
- Crucial Etiquette: When shipping, you should mail a separate letter (a formal greeting card) to the recipient, informing them that the gift is on the way and expressing your thanks.
- Hand Delivery: This is the most formal and respectful method. It is used for people who live nearby or, importantly, in the corporate world (see section 4).
🏢 4. Business Etiquette: Oseibo for Corporate Greetings
In the business world, especially in traditional Japanese companies, hand-delivering Oseibo during a year-end visit is a common practice that combines a formal greeting with an expression of gratitude.
- Purpose: To officially conclude the year, express thanks for the business partnership, and wish for continuous cooperation next year.
- The Visit: Always call or email ahead to schedule an appointment for a “year-end greeting.” Do not simply show up unannounced.
- What to Say: When handing over the gift (which should be removed from the bag before presentation), you should say something humble, like:
“Thank you for all your support this year. This is just a small token of my appreciation, please enjoy it with your colleagues.” - Gift Choice: Choose items that can be easily shared within an office, such as individually wrapped sweets or quality coffee/tea sets.
🤝 5. Receiving an Oseibo Gift: How to Respond
Traditionally, an Oseibo gift does not require a return gift (Okaeshi) because it is purely an expression of gratitude. However, a response is mandatory.
- The Mandatory Response: A Thank You Letter (Orei-jo)
- You must immediately send a formal thank you letter (Orei-jo) upon receipt of the gift.
- If the gift was shipped, it is polite to first call the sender to let them know it arrived safely, followed by the formal letter.
- Modern Practice: Returning a Gift
- While not mandatory, it is becoming increasingly common to send a return gift to maintain a balanced relationship, especially if the relationship is peer-to-peer or if you were not planning to send them Oseibo previously.
- If you decide to send one, ensure you send it before the end of the Oseibo period or, if it is too late, send it as “Kan-chu Omimai” (Mid-Winter Greetings) in the New Year.
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・Ochugen: Japan’s Summer Gift of Gratitude
・Sending Sunshine and Care: Understanding Japan’s Shochumimai Summer Greetings
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