There are certain things that are very important to the Japanese, including obsessing over cleanliness, making sure things as kawaii as they can be and…gift-giving. The Japanese are master gift givers, and have many customs related to giving and receiving, which provides a valuable “social lubrication” that makes all manner of personal and business relationships work more smoothly here. The most common form of gift is the omiyage (oh-mee-yah-geh), or souvenir from a specific place, and whenever J-List goes to discuss licensing eroge and visual novels with new game companies, we visit their office with a box of local treats from our home prefecture of Gunma for the staff to share. Incidentally, if you ever come to Japan, it’s a good idea to bring some items to give out as gifts to people you might encounter here, as it will really make things go more smoothly. Just about anything in a box that’s representative of where you’re from is fine — even cigarettes are okay, if you know that the person you’ll be encountering smokes. (Supposedly Newport Menthols are a good brand.) Another good idea is Starbucks mugs from your city, since everyone loves coffee in Japan. Incidentally, J-List stocks some great Japanese snacks in gift boxes which are fun to give to others.
An Omiyage shop in Okinawa.
