Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on August 2010

Obscure etiquette for ochugen (summertime gifts)*

1. When sending late gifts, the front of the noshi (envelope or paper strip) should read: 暑中御見舞 (shochuu omimai; “Best wishes for midsummer”) or 残暑御見舞 (zansho omimai; “Best wishes for late summer”)
2. The decorative string on the noshi should be red and gold (with five or seven strings) and tied in a bow
3. It’s not improper to send ochugen to someone in mourning
4. If you’ll be giving a gift to someone this year only, present it as an orei (thanks) or kokoro-bakari (“a trifle”)
5. In eastern Japan, gifts are sent from early- to mid-July; in western Japan, it’s early- to mid-August
6. Don’t give writing implements or watches
7. When offering a gift to someone in mourning, the package shouldn’t include a noshi or decorative string
8. When ordering from an online shop, send the letter/card separately
9. You should never give shoes, socks, slippers or other footwear to a meue no hito (superior)
10. When offering a gift to a meue, the noshi should read: 暑中御伺い (shochuu oukagai; “midsummer greetings”) or 残暑御伺い (zansho oukagai; “late-summer greetings”)

    Survey of 1,187 people on Goo Ranking (http://ranking.goo.ne.jp); April 23-26

    *Ranked from most commonly known to least known