Ochugen (summer gift giving) Gift giving is ingrained in Japanese culture and there are two major seasons for it. Ochugen, which happens aroung mid-July, is one of them while the other is Oseibo, at the end of the year. Ochugen is derived from the ceremonial day of Taoism on July 15th, a tradition that merged with Buddhism to create what is a show of appreciation to those who helped or supported you during the first half of the year. The beautiful thing is that the emphasis is not on the gift itself, but rather the act of giving. The value of the gift is of less importance than the thoughtfulness in which it is presented. |