On first--and even second--glance, the above photo seems to be of delicious desserts.  In fact, however, they are hand towels and fruit pins cleverly rolled and folded to look like food.  When giving gifts in Japan, the presentation and wrapping aren't merely a way to conceal the gift, but rather they are a vital part of the entire package.  Department stores offer complimentary gift wrapping, featuring their store name and/or logo, and the more impressive the store, the more impressive the packaging.  This branded packaging is especially important for gifts given out of social duty or obligation.  Major gift-giving times are traditionally in the summer at O-chugen and at the end of the year in O-seibo, as well as birthdays and other celebrations.  When receiving gifts, it is considered polite to wait until after the gift-giver has left to open the gift so that full attention can be given to the giver and the receiver won't seem as greedy.  It also eliminates any awkwardness when the present is opened.  Possible thought questions related to this topic are: what can be inferred about Japanese priorities from their gift-giving customs?  How do these customs ease social interactions?  How could they be burdensome?

Photo from the exhibition Japan C.