Seasonal Gift Giving in Japan

According to proper form, seasonal gifts are handed over in person, with the giver voicing the appropriate seasonal sentiment directly. (© Pixta)

Department stores’ biggest money-making periods are midsummer and yearend. Here, a department store displays seibo yearend gift items. (© Jiji)

Sōmen noodles are a standard summer gift. Served chilled and accompanied by condiments, they make a tasty meal in hot weather. (© Pixta)

Timing for Sending Chūgen Gifts

Timing for Sending Seibo Gifts

Chūgen and Seibo gifts are wrapped in the noshigami paper used for congratulatory occasions. (© Pixta)