A couple of weeks ago, I received a missed delivery notice. Apparently a chilled item my grandma sent me.
After I requested for the package to be redelivered, I received a box full of yoghurt jars, milk and caramel puddings, sausages and ham!
It’s not my birthday so I wonder why they sent it to me?
A faint memory of my summer childhood came back when our family received juices, food, noodles and boxes of gift during summer. Ah, it was my very first お中元 (ochugen)!
What is ochugen?
Between July to August, a gift called Ochugen is sent to show appreciation for people you have a business relationship, relatives who live far away and for your in-laws.
Regions have different periods to send ochugen and in Kanto region including Tokyo is generally sent at the start to mid-July while Kansai region including Osaka is sent later from mid-July to mid-August.
There is also お歳暮 (Oseibo) at the end of the year to show appreciation for the whole year.
Typical ochugen gifts
As Ochugen is sent during summer, the gifts are summery and something that can be shared.
My parents received many ochugen when I grew up and received juices, noodles and jellies.
Takashimaya is one of the most established department stores in Japan and on their website popular ochugen gifts for this year was highlighted
Juice, sweets and jelly set:
Boxes of beer:
Ham and sauges:
We decided to send something different and personal as our ochugen to my grandma and aunty. Upon consideration, we sent big golden kiwifruits from my husband’s home town (apparently each kiwifruit is a size of a tennis ball!).
I think it’s a caring custom to send gifts to family as it’s easy to forget to show that you care (plus who doesn’t like to receive thoughtful gifts!)
I hope you have a safe weekend.
Native Expat 