I actually had a Korean applicant do this (here in the US). My boss was waiting in an inner room and the applicant gave me the gifts in the outer area before we entered the room for the interview. I was very embarrassed and put the gift bags under a chair before my boss could see them. I waited until a few days later (and after we had decided to hire someone else anyway) and gave him his gift (sweets). It was all very weird.

Ha! Thanks so much everyone...guess I've been in Japan too long.

PLEASE no.

As a hiring manager, this would make me question your judgment. I wouldn't hire you based on this action alone.

I would also probably just throw your sweets in the garbage because I don't want to be accused of breaking any ethics or HR rules and don't want anyone asking about them.

Absolutely not! Ethics issues for the recipient etc. No way.

Nope