The latest member of our Japan team to write something for the blog is Akiko san. One of our newest members in the Japan office, Akiko is a keen traveller. The Japanese people are always keen to buy gifts (Omiyage) for friends and loved ones when they head off somewhere on their holidays. Akiko is currently having a bit of trouble deciding what to take as Omiyage from Japan….
So what would you expect someone to give you as a souvenir from Japan?
When Japanese people say souvenirs, most of us would be imagining some local foods or delicacies but I don’t think that food is given as a souvenir in western cultures as often as it is in Japan.
Japan is an awesome destination for shopping and there are lots of unique products here. Recently I have been looking for some souvenirs for people outside Japan and did some shopping around.
It is really difficult to find something nice for your friends if you aren’t sure what they want, especially if there are strict restrictions on what you can bring into foreign countries.
I think sweets in Japan (either Japanese traditional ones or western ones like chocolates, expensive patisserie made sweets or even something you can buy at convenience stores) would be great and I would love to introduce them to people in other countries, but this time my destination has quite strict rules about what you can take in with you so snacks and sweets are not a very good idea. I have to look for something light, not too expensive and reasonably Japanese.
Bug killer – Not my choice!Rusk – Tasty but not good for this occasionKabuki pens and Japanese tea
There are expectation gaps between what I want to give and what people expect to receive, but I still want them to have a bit of a laugh or a little surprise from the souvenirs.
I have a week to go so if you know anything good, please let us know!
