Giving flowers as a gift in Japan: what to know before you order

Giving flowers as a gift in Japan involves a few considerations that are not always obvious to people who are new to the country or who are buying for a Japanese recipient for the first time. Most of these are not rigid rules, but they are worth knowing so that the gift lands the way you intend.

Colour and occasion

White flowers are associated with funerals and memorial services in Japan, so a bouquet of all-white flowers is not appropriate as a celebratory gift. This does not mean white flowers are off-limits entirely: a mixed arrangement that includes white alongside other colours is fine. The issue is a bunch that is entirely or predominantly white.

Yellow flowers carry no particular negative association in Japan, unlike in some European countries. Yellow roses, yellow tulips and yellow sunflowers are all appropriate as gifts for celebrations.

Number of stems

The numbers four and nine are considered unlucky in Japan because of their pronunciation: four sounds like the word for death (shi), and nine sounds like the word for suffering (ku). Avoid bouquets of exactly four or nine stems. This is a consideration we keep in mind when we put together gift bouquets, and we will always adjust the stem count if a customer mentions it.

Beyond these two numbers, there is no particular significance to stem counts in everyday Japanese flower-giving. The idea that odd numbers are always required is a Western convention that does not apply here in the same way.

Flowers to avoid for hospital visits

Potted plants are generally avoided for hospital visits in Japan because the roots suggest the illness will 'take root'. Cut flowers are preferred. Within cut flowers, strongly scented varieties like lilies can be uncomfortable in a hospital room, so we tend to suggest lower-scent options like lisianthus, alstroemeria or spray chrysanthemums for this occasion.

We always ask what the occasion is before we put together a bouquet, partly because of considerations like these. It takes thirty seconds and it means the arrangement is appropriate for where it is going.

Wrapping and presentation

In Japan, presentation matters. A bouquet handed over without wrapping looks unfinished. We wrap all our bouquets in unbleached kraft paper, which is appropriate for most occasions. For more formal gifts, we can add a second layer of tissue and a simple card.

If you are unsure about any aspect of a flower gift for a Japanese occasion, just ask when you order. These questions come up regularly and we are glad to help.