What is the etiquette for declining money from a Japanese friend?

What is the etiquette for declining money from a Japanese friend? - Japanese Lucky Coin Cat

My son's best friend is here from Japan. His parents paid for his plane ticket and sent $1,000 cash. We would like to return the money to them - his stay and expenses are our treat.

How can we do this without offending them?



Best Answer

The best thing would be to simply make sure that the kid does not need to spend money while there. If the kid comes back to his parents and states "I only spent 100 for a souvenir", this would be much better than you sending then the money in any other way.

Possibly find a compromise that the kid can spend some things by himself, like inviting you all for dinner once or other symbolic things.




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Is it rude to turn down a gift in Japan?

Once again, it's polite in Japan to refuse the gift once or twice before officially accepting it. However, not many Japanese people expect you to know this, so don't worry about it too much.

What should you not gift a Japanese person?

Gifts to avoid
  • It all comes down to superstition. Lilies, lotus blossoms, and camellias are associated with funerals. ...
  • Giving 4 or 9 of anything is considered unlucky. ...
  • Red Christmas cards should be avoided, since funeral notices are customarily printed in this colour.


How do you politely decline a gift from a friend?

How to Politely Decline a Gift
  • Do it in person but far from the crowd. ...
  • Appreciate the gesture while declining it. ...
  • Be honest when declining the gift. ...
  • Try to avoid receiving the gift if you can in the first place. ...
  • Give a written note of gratitude. ...
  • It is preferable to do it in person, by talking to them in private.


  • What is considered disrespectful in Japan?

    Don't blow your nose in public. Blowing your nose in public in Japan is considered to be uncouth. Find a bathroom or another private place if you have to attend to a running nose. It's common to see people wearing face masks in public, especially in the winter.



    How to understand the fundamental idea of Japanese Gift Culture and pick the best gift!




    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

    Images: Miguel Á. Padriñán, Karolina Grabowska, Monstera, Karolina Grabowska