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: 10/13/2007 Subject: Thank you gift?
Question I've taken a year of college Japanese from a Japanese instructor at my institute, and she is currently on maternity leave. As I am applying to a music school, they require a letter of recommendation from an academic course, and the only one I've taken has been Japanese. So, though I didn't want to disturb her, I still wrote her an e-mail politely asking her to write me a letter of recommendation, to which she agreed. I'm very grateful for her taking time to do this for me, so I would like to prepare a thank you gift to send back to her. I have no idea what would be appropriate to a Japanese family in the middle of taking care of a new born baby.
Answer Hello Melanie,
Thank you for your question.
The important thing is the thought, and that you care enough to want to send her something to express that thoughtfulness.
As for cultural taboos in the Japanese culture, the numbers 4 and 9 are to be avoided in all situations. The reason is that the number 4 is a homonym for “death,” and the number 9 for “suffering.”
Generally, cutting utensils such as knives are frowned upon, since it could be interpreted as an instrument for severing relationships. Handkerchiefs are also considered bad luck, since you might be forecasting the need to wipe tears.
As for what would be appropriate to give, this is again pretty much the same as in western cultures. Flowers are good, and if your friend has no dietary restrictions, then chocolates, sweets and candies would be good also.
Again, what is important is that you care enough to send her a gift. If you avoid the numerical taboo of four and nine, then any gift would be fine. The gesture is what matters.
I hope this helps.
Please let me know if I can help with more questions.
