Oseibo: The Japanese Tradition of Saying Thank You at Year-End
- Narelle Katsumoto
- 2025年12月16日
- 読了時間: 4分
The year is almost over. Picture this: shops are bright with decorations, and the air feels busy and festive. Streets and malls are full of people hunting for holiday deals. Many are getting ready for bonenkai, or “forget-the-year” parties. They are also writing nengajo, New Year’s greeting cards, to send good wishes to friends and family.
One tradition stands out at the end of the year. It is Oseibo, the custom of giving year-end gifts. These gifts go to family, colleagues, and bosses. They carry a message of thanks and respect. Oseibo is different from Christmas gifts. It has a long history in Japan. The tradition is still strong in professional life, even if fewer people practice it at home. Let us explore this fascinating Japanese custom and see why it has lasted so long.
The Meaning Behind Oseibo
In Japan, people give gifts twice a year. One is in summer, called Chugen, and the other comes at the end of the year, called Oseibo. The name Oseibo comes from two words. “O” is used to show respect, and “seibo” means “end of year.” The tradition reflects the Japanese phrase osewa ni natta, which means “thank you for your care.”
Oseibo gifts are usually practical things, like food, drinks, or household items. They are meant to say thank you to the people who have been kind or helpful over the year. Family, friends, colleagues, teachers, clients, and even bosses can all receive these gifts. What makes Oseibo special is the thought behind it. Each gift is chosen with care, a small act that strengthens the bond between the giver and the receiver.
In the past, people waited until after December 13 to start giving them. Today, many send them a little earlier to avoid the rush. The timing also changes from place to place. In Eastern Japan, the season starts a bit earlier than in the west, starting from the end of November to December 20. Still, the meaning stays the same. Each gift carries a simple message of thanks as the year comes to an end.
The Origins of Oseibo
Oseibo began as a spiritual practice. It was influenced by Taoist traditions from China, where people offered gifts at the end of the year to deities and ancestral spirits. Over time, this idea took root in Japan and slowly changed shape.
In the Edo period, the custom had moved into daily life. Samurai brought gifts to their superiors, and merchants visited important clients with carefully chosen items before the year ended. These visits, or “seibo mawari,” were a way to show respect and to keep important relationships strong. By the Meiji period, department stores began to appear, and Oseibo spread even further. People from all backgrounds and social circles could now choose gifts and take part in the tradition.
Today, Oseibo is a familiar part of both business and personal life in Japan. It is a simple act that carries a deep meaning. Each gift expresses gratitude, connection, and the hope that good relationships will continue into the new year.
Choosing the Perfect Gift for Oseibo
Choosing an Oseibo gift is often a thoughtful process. The gifts can be simple and practical, or elegant and luxurious, depending on the relationship and the message the giver wants to send. Some people browse stores looking for gourmet foods, such as fine teas, artisanal sweets, fresh seafood, wagyu beef, or seasonal fruits that are almost too beautiful to eat.
Others pick drinks, like sake, specialty beer, or local fruit juices. Everyday household items are popular too, from high-quality towels to kitchen tools or even cooking oil, small gifts that can brighten daily life.
Many Oseibo gifts carry special meanings. Rice, sake, and beer symbolize prosperity, celebration, and friendship. Luxury fruits and seafood show abundance and indulgence. Ham, sausages, and both Japanese and Western sweets are saved for special family moments. Green tea reflects harmony and tradition, while cooking oil is valued for its practicality and the care it brings to preparing meals. Each gift tells a quiet story of gratitude and thoughtfulness, a simple way to honor the people who have made the year meaningful.
Oseibo Today
Back in the day, the end of the year used to feel like a season of Oseibo. Every December, families carefully prepared gifts for relatives, colleagues, and clients. For many, it was just part of the rhythm of life, a quiet way to say thank you. But today, the tradition is fading. Younger people often see it as something their parents or relatives in the countryside still follow. While in the busy life of the city, Oseibo can feel like a duty rather than a heartfelt gesture.
Workplaces have changed too. Some avoid Oseibo to prevent even the slightest hint of favoritism between employees and customers. Instead, many companies choose simple gifts, like calendars or small stationery sets, as a polite way to mark the end of the year.
Meanwhile, Christmas has found its place in Japanese life. Unlike Oseibo, Christmas feels personal and fun. It is a time to exchange small gifts with family, friends, or a partner. Stores fill with lights, decorations, and cheerful wrapping. Marketers saw an opportunity to mix the idea of a year-end gift with a lighter, modern style. The result is a version of gift-giving that feels casual, approachable, and appealing to younger generations. Meanwhile, Oseibo still exists quietly in the background, a gentle reminder of an older, more formal tradition.
Picture Sources:
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