It can be tough to decide what to get your colleagues when you’re doing business in Japan. You want to select a gift that is appropriate for the occasion, shows your appreciation, and doesn’t break the bank. Here are some great Japanese business gift ideas that experts like Kavan Choksi Japan say will impress your colleagues and leave a lasting impression.
1. Traditional Japanese Sweets
When in doubt, you can never go wrong with food. Traditional Japanese sweets, or wagashi, are a delicious and thoughtful way to show your appreciation. There are many different varieties of wagashi, so you’re sure to find something that your colleague will love. Some of our favorites include daifuku (a sweet bean paste-filled pastry), dango (rice flour dumplings), and yokan (a thick jellied dessert).
2. Sake Sets
Sake is an important part of Japanese culture, and it is often served during business meetings and other formal occasions. Giving a colleague a nice sake set is a great way to show your appreciation. Sake sets typically include a bottle of sake, cups, and a decanter. You can find beautiful sake sets made out of ceramic, glass, or even wood.
3. Wooden Lacquerware
Lacquerware is a type of traditional Japanese tableware that is made by coating wood with lacquer. It is very durable and has a beautiful glossy finish. Giving your colleague a lacquerware dish or bowl is a fantastic way to show your appreciation. Lacquerware comes in many different colors and designs, so you’re sure to find something that your colleague will love.
4. Japanese Green Tea
Green tea is an important part of Japanese culture, and it is often served during business meetings and other formal occasions. Giving your colleague a nice tin of green tea is a great way to show your appreciation. Japanese green tea is typically made from high-quality leaves, and it has a light and refreshing flavor.
5. Kimono
A kimono is a traditional Japanese garment that is typically made from silk. It is a very elegant and sophisticated piece of clothing, and it makes a great gift for a colleague. If you’re not sure what size to get, you can always opt for a gift certificate from a local kimono shop.
6. Japanese Calligraphy Set
Calligraphy is an important part of Japanese culture, and it is a beautiful way to write. Giving your colleague a calligraphy set is a great way to show your appreciation. Calligraphy sets typically include a brush, ink, and paper. You can find beautiful calligraphy sets made out of wood, bamboo, or even glass.
7. Japanese Art Print
If your colleague is a fan of Japanese art, then giving them a print is a great way to show your appreciation. There are many different types of Japanese art prints, so you’re sure to find something that your colleague will love.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to finding the perfect gift for your colleagues, it’s important to choose something that is appropriate for the occasion, shows your appreciation, and doesn’t break the bank. We hope that this list of Japanese business gift ideas has given you some inspiration for what to get your colleagues the next time you’re doing business in Japan!