The Progression of Intercultural Communication in the Writings of the Early Modern Jesuits : Alessandro Valignano and His Rendering of the Japanese Social Custom of Gift-Giving

This paper examines the custom of gift-giving, the act of offering presents in Japan during the Christian Century. Alessandro Valignano’s Advertimentos of 1581 was responsible for developing a vital aspect of the “Jesuit Code” in Japan. The paper argues that theJapanese custom of gift-giving is complex yet an inseparable part of Japanese culture which was understood, mastered and wisely utilized by Jesuits that enabled them to not onlyforge negotiations but also pave the path for Intercultural communication.Society of JesusAccommodation policyAlessandro ValignanoGift-GivingIntercultural CommunicationThe Christian Century of Japa