The rise of 'e-gifts,' which can be sent via URL through SNS or messaging apps, has diversified gifting methods. While convenience has increased, the value of 'hand-delivering' is being re-evaluated by both senders and recipients. This survey investigated attitudes toward hand-delivered versus electronic gifts among 20-40 year-olds in Japan.

1. Hand-Delivered Gifts Remain Most Memorable When asked which method is more memorable (Q1), 'hand-delivering a physical object' accounted for 57.7% of responses, significantly higher than the 15.1% who chose 'sending electronically via LINE or email.' This highlights that physical interaction remains strong despite digitization.

2. Reasons for Hand-Delivering: Conveying Feelings vs. Avoiding Perceptions of 'Laziness' The top reasons for preferring hand-delivery (Q2) were 'conveying feelings' (59.4%), followed by 'seeing the recipient's reaction' (39.2%). Notably, about one in four respondents (26.7%) stated they chose hand-delivery because they 'did not want to be seen as lazy.' High-convenience e-gifts create a psychological hurdle where some feel they may be perceived as too casual.

3. Half of Respondents Use E-Gifts for Convenience 45.5% of respondents have sent gifts via LINE or email. Top reasons included 'living far away' (40.9%), 'ease of arrangement' (36.0%), and 'reducing the burden on the recipient' (34.8%). E-gifts are valued for convenience and rationality in overcoming distance.

4. The New Standard: Balancing Manners with Rationality InComm Japan has launched 'Eraberu Gift,' a multi-choice gift card sold at FamilyMart and Ministop stores since April 7, 2026, which combines the warmth of hand-delivery with the convenience of letting the recipient choose their preferred items.

Product Overview - Name: Eraberu Gift - Features: Physical card with an envelope; a multi-choice card allowing selection from multiple products. - Price: 3,000 / 5,000 / 10,000 / 30,000 JPY (Tax-exempt)

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: New Product