Oseibo is a wonderful Japanese tradition of giving gifts to people at the end of the year. Not dissimilar from exchanging Christmas presents with family and friends, Oseibo is an opportunity to show gratitude to those who’ve helped us during the year. In Japanese, Oseibo is literally translated as “end of the year present”. In Japan, these gifts are usually sent to the recipient straight from the store.
Who do you send it to?
Like Christmas, but totally unrelated to it, Oseibu is the time to send gifts to anybody and everybody you’d like to thank for the year past. It is only in recent years however that this practice was extended to giving from individuals as traditionally it was only for gifts given from groups of people. For instance, from the shopkeepers to the owner of the shop, the apprentices to the master, to the landlord from the tenants.
When do you send it?
There are no official dates, but the times Oseibo is given is from the 5th to the 31st of December, but most do this between the 5th and the 20th.
How much should you spend?
Obviously this depends on many things, including your financial inclination and relationship with the recipient, but typically the range is from JY3000 to JY10000.
What do you send?
Typically, people like to send food items that can be consumed by the entire household. Historically people gave rice, fish or noodles, things they themselves farmed or had business in. These days, alcoholic beverages like beer, sake, ham, fruits and gift certificates are the most popular, as are household necesseties like soap.
Where do you buy it?
During Oseibo giving time, shops are stocked with possible options, packaged beatifully according to price. You can find them at convenience stores, catalogues, and in large department stores, enitre floors are full of it.
How do you send it?
Easy. Select your gift from the shop and the cashier can help you fill out the delivery service form called “takuhaibin”.
What do you do if you get oseibo?
If you receive an Oseibo, sending a gift back is not necessary, but a simple thank you card is nice.
[tags]Oseibo, gifts, FAQ[/tags]