Mid-summer gift

Ochugen is the tradition of gift-giving and is observed from early in July through to the 15th. The word ochugen means the Buddhist obon day, which is celebrated on July 15th on the lunar calendar.

On this time Japanese people send a gift to one's elders or betters or to someone to whom you are indebted. Popular gift items are gourmet food products, ham, alcoholic drinks, canned goods, cooking oil, sweets, tea and washing detergent.


See also
*Japanese
*Chinese
*Obon
*List of Japanese culture