Ochugen is a festival that has its origins in Buddhism and Taoism. In most Asian countries, it is celebrated on the 15th of July. In Japan, however, depending on the region, it is celebrated either on the 15th of July, or sometimes the 15th of August.

For Japanese people, Ochugen is a time of appreciation, where they show their gratitude to people who they are indebted to, or people who they have a business relationship with by giving them gifts, or omiyage in Japanese. Students also give gifts to their teachers and professors.

As you can imagine, similar to how Christmas season is in the western world, Ochugen is also one of the shopping seasons in Japan, encouraged by the culture of gift-giving. If you ever find yourself living in Japan, do not forget to prepare gifts for people who have helped you when Ochugen comes around!

Let’s remember the following useful sentences before going to Japan!

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●Ochugen wa osewa ni natta hitotachi ni omiyage okuru jiki desu.
(お中元はお世話になった人たちにお土産贈る時期です。)
> Ochugen is the season to give presents to people who you are indebted to.

●Anata no kuni dewa Ochugen nanika shuukan ga arimasuka?
(あなたの国ではお中元何か習慣がありますか？)
> Are there any customs in your country for Ochugen?

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Now all that’s left is to go out there and try using them in Japan!

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Jidori (自撮り) Fun! Japan Words vol.151