There are no chips in Japan? Introducing the culture of expressing gratitude, “Ochugen” and “Oshibo”

About the culture of “mid-year gifts” and “year-end gifts”

A culture that is difficult for foreign travelers who visit Osaka to understand is the culture of mid-year gifts and year-end gifts. This is a custom that still exists today, in which people give simple gifts as a token of gratitude to people they care for or at work.

Enter icon name

In some foreign countries, there is a culture of tipping as a thank you for shopping or services, and it seems that there is a culture of tipping with a certain level of authority.

■What is midyear gift?

Ochugen is a gift that is given to those who take care of you during the summer to express your gratitude and wish for good health . It is also called “Summer Greetings” because it is a gift from July to August.

■What is year-end gift?

A year-end gift is a gift given to someone who has been indebted to you to express your gratitude over the past year. Year-end gifts are generally given at the end of the year, after December 10th.

Department stores are crowded during mid-year and year-end gifts.

Mid-year gifts are held from July to August, and year-end gifts are held from December to the end of the year, and department stores are always crowded around this time.

What should I send as a “mid-year gift” or “year-end gift”?

Gifts such as sweets and drinks that can be shared with co-workers are often given.
The underground grocery area of ​​the department store is filled with a variety of sweets makers and food products from all over the country, making it fun just to choose. Additionally, department stores have a service that will add wrapping paper to your purchase after you purchase it, or provide a free address service called Noshi, and you can easily request nationwide shipping on the spot. , people living in Japan often use department stores.

Osaka Minami area is a treasure trove of department stores

Many department stores from all over the country have opened in Osaka, Japan’s second largest city, and the Minami area, which is also one of the most popular entertainment destinations.

Introducing department stores in the Minami area of ​​Osaka that are perfect for choosing mid-year gifts and year-end gifts (Shinsaibashi/Namba)

Takashimaya Osaka store

Location: 5-1-5 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Phone number: 06-6631-1101
Business hours: 10:00-20:00

Daimaru Shinsaibashi store

Location: 1-7-1 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Phone number:06-6271-1231
Business hours: 10:00-20:00

Namba Marui | Marui Department Store

Location: 3-8-9 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Phone number: 06-6634-0101
Business hours: 10:00-20:00