Key facts for Japan
Christmas is a romantic and commercial event; business year-end gifting happens through oseibo.
How companies in Japan give year-end gifts
Japan has a formal business gifting calendar. Oseibo, the year-end gift, is sent to clients, partners and people who have helped the company during the year, traditionally from early December until around 20 December. Ochugen is the matching midsummer gift. Typical oseibo gifts are consumables of good quality: food, sweets, tea, coffee and similar items in refined packaging, often delivered directly by department stores. The wrapping and the noshi paper with the sender's name matter. Christmas is popular as a commercial and romantic event but is not a business gifting occasion, and offices close for the New Year from about 29 December. New Year cards (nengajo) are sent to arrive on 1 January. Many companies, especially public bodies and large corporations, have strict gift policies, so modest, high-quality items are best.
Gift occasions in Japan
Oseibo (year-end gift)
the main year-end gift to clients and business partners
Oshogatsu (New Year)
nengajo New Year cards; offices closed
Ochugen (midsummer gift)
the second annual gift season for business partners
Christmas
commercial and romantic occasion; little business significance
Good practice
- Deliver year-end gifts as oseibo, between early and about 20 December.
- Choose high-quality consumables with refined packaging.
- Include the company name clearly; a Japanese-language card is appreciated.
- Allow for office closures from about 29 December to 3 January.
Avoid
- Avoid sets of four or nine.
- Avoid white flowers and funeral-style wrapping.
- Do not send gifts to public officials; ethics rules are strict.
Design and wording
Christmas imagery is acceptable but not meaningful for business; seasonal or New Year designs fit oseibo better.
Gift policies
The National Public Service Ethics Act restricts gifts from interested parties to national public officials; many companies have strict gift policies.
Delivery to Japan
Ships from Poland by courier; customs duties and consumption tax may apply and are quoted in advance. Commercial food imports require an import notification under the Food Sanitation Act.
Planning dates for Japan
| Order personalized stock advent calendars by | 6 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|
| Order Christmas hampers by | 13 Nov 2026 |
| Fully custom calendars for 2027 — order between | 01.2027 – 08.2027 |
Indicative planning dates; exact dates are confirmed in your proposal.
Recommended formats for Japan
Tea & coffee calendars
A tea or coffee advent calendar with your logo is a measured, practical gift for clients and colleagues who prefer to avoid sweets.
Chocolate advent calendars
Twenty-four chocolates and your brand on the front from 1 to 24 December.
Christmas hampers
Corporate Christmas hampers with your logo on the box, ribbon or card, composed to your budget band and delivered to one office or to individual home…
Beauty calendars
A beauty advent calendar is a premium December gift.
Empty calendar boxes
For companies that already have the filling: custom printed advent calendar boxes in bulk, designed around your products and delivered flat or…
Christmas plush
Plush is made in our own workshop in Biała Podlaska, Poland: ready Christmas teddies with your embroidered logo, and custom plush mascots based on…
Frequently asked questions
What is oseibo?
Oseibo is the Japanese year-end gift to clients and partners, traditionally delivered from early December to about 20 December.
Is Christmas a holiday in Japan?
No. 25 December is a working day. Offices typically close for New Year from about 29 December to 3 January.
What is a good corporate gift in Japan?
High-quality consumables, such as tea, coffee or chocolate, in refined packaging. Avoid sets of four or nine.