AboutTai Yamanaka Expertise I can answer questions regarding Japanese business culture, business etiquette, corporate society, as well as provide know-how on how to research industries, corporations and communicate with business contacts.
Experience I have over 20 years of experience working in Japanese corporations as well as for American corporations doing business with Japan. I have served as a representative as well as a go-between for American and other corporations with Japanese businesses, industry and scholarly associations as well as government agencies
Expert: Tai Yamanaka Date: 3/27/2008 Subject: Wedding gift
Question I soon will be attending a Shinto wedding in Japan. What is the protocol for the wedding and reception? How should men and women guests dress. What types of gifts are traditionally given? Any advice you have will be greatly appreciated.
Answer Hello May,
Thank you for your question.
Many Japanese have Christian and Buddhist weddings, but most have Shinto ceremonies, so that the appropriate dress and gifts are no different regardless of the style of wedding.
Most attendees are invited to both the reception and the marriage ceremony, so the same clothes (suit and tie for men, fancy dress for women) can be worn for both events. At the reception, there will be a table at the entrance where you’ll be asked to identify yourself and to sign in.
In Japan as in many other cultures, money is a normal wedding gift. If this is what you choose as the gift, then it is normal to bring it on the day of the reception.
In Japan, there is no custom of bridal showers and wedding registries, but since married couples need the same things as in other countries, sending gifts in advance is also acceptable. If you know the person who is to be married, you could ask what he or she would like, and to present them with that gift.
If you choose money as your gift, the amount will vary, depending on the depth of your relationship with that person. Odd (not even) numbers are agreeable, meaning that it is considered propitious that the numbers are not divisible by two, but 20,000, 100,000, 200,000 are acceptable as exceptions. If you are actually a resident in Japan, the common amount is 20,000 to 30,000 Yen for friends and acquaintances.
The money that should be unused (new) should be placed in a ceremonial envelope called a “Noshibukuro” and hand-delivered at the counter at the reception, where you sign your name. “Noshibukuro” are available in stationery stores. If you specify that it is for a wedding, the shape of the decoration is different from mother gift envelopes. It is called “Musubikiri” and is not a ribbon-like structure, but cannot be untied. You should sign your name on the envelope at the center of the bottom half.
I hope this helps.
Please let me know if I can help with other questions.
