2010年7月28日 13:13
Ochuu-gen
Ochuu-gen is a Japanese tradition derived of Buddhist influences. Ochuu-gen is a tradition where Japanese people send gifts as a thanks to people who are considered higher up or more respectable than you, such as parents, bosses, in-laws, teachers, etc. More respected people do not send back ochuu-gen to those who have given them one. Generally, recipients of ochuu-gen receive them annually, so if you decide to add another recipient to your list, it will be a commitment. Ochuu-gen season differs within the regions of Japan; it is through the beginning to mid-July in eastern Japan and comminly so, and from the beginning to mid-August in western Japan. There is also a winter version of ochuu-gen, called oseibo. If you only want to send gifts once a year, you should send them in the winter.
Ochuu-gen gifts can vary greatly. Some examples include cash, gift cards, fruits and vegetables, alcohol, and cooking oil. The budget for ochuu-gen generally range between 3,000 and 5,000 yen, although it can go up to 10,000 yen, depending on how much thanks you are willing to express. Personally, I think I prefer Christmas or Hannukah because giving is less of an annual commitment than ochuu-gen or oseibo. What say you?