Ochugen Summer Gift-Giving Season

Ochugen is the summer gift-giving season. My two years at Takashimaya department store in Nihonbashi had me working very hard during the ochugen season. Many customers would come into the wine department and order "kohaku" wine sets. A bottle each of white wine and red wine packaged conveniently into a box. The colors of red and white together has a meaning of good fortune. Price points are set at about 3,000 yen, 5,000 yen, 8,000 yen, 10,000 yen (and of course upwards).

If you go to Takashimaya department store now through August 15th, head up to the 8th floor where you can see gift sets, many of food, but also of other items, that can be sent to friends, colleagues and family. Many of these can be shipped without having to pay for the shipping fees.