If you have been invited to a wedding with a Japanese theme, you may want to give a gift that is in line with the theme. Perhaps you have been invited to a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony and want to give the typical gift that is expected. There are also gifts involved within the families of the bride and groom and this is usually done at a formal dinner on a “most auspicious” day that is chosen from the Japanese almanac. These gifts are called “Yui-no” or engagement gifts.
A wedding gift for a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony and reception
If you have been invited to a true and authentic Japanese wedding, the traditional gift given to the newlywed couple is usually cash. This is what is called Oshugi. The amount you are expected to give will depend on the depth of your relationship with the couple to be married. The Oshugi that you are expected to deliver is often written on the wedding invitation. If you are in doubt about how much you should give, a good figure for friends of the couple is 30,000 yen or $250 US dollars.
Gifts for a Japanese-themed wedding
A wonderful gift that will be appreciated for a long time could be a bonsai tree. A bonsai tree is not only a beautiful thing, it needs to be taken care of and perhaps this could be an activity that the newlyweds can share to spend quality time together. Another great option would be a soup set complete with spoons. They will surely enjoy eating their soup with authentic Japanese utensils and will surely think of you when they do so.
A great idea for the couple who appreciates Japanese culture is a gift certificate to their favorite Hibachi or Sushi restaurant. This can be another gift that requires the couple to spend quality time together to best enjoy it. A Daruma doll is believed to be a symbol of protection and good luck in Japan. Usually this doll is given at the beginning of a new company. A sand garden is also another great gift option for a Japanese-themed wedding. It is believed that the placement of the stones and the raking of the sand can calm even the most restless mind and relieve stress. This can be important to a couple as a way to defuse the stressful feelings they are experiencing as they begin to forge a life together and encounter the inevitable bumps along the way.
