The Beauty of Exchanging Gifts in Japan
: Giving Shapes to One’s Thoughts and Emotions
In Japan, the exchanging of gifts is not simply an act of giving something to someone but an expression of gratitude or wishing for the happiness of the receiver. The exhibition showcases the formalities and rituals of gift exchanging in Japan by revealing the characteristics, beauty, and variety of gifts exchanged and presented, along with the thoughts and philosophies of the Japanese people that exist behind them. We hope the exhibition will serve as an opportunity for viewers to engage with and understand the manner by which the “sense of harmony with nature” and “strong connections between people” that together form the foundation of Japanese culture, are embodied in the rituals of gift exchanging in Japan.
