We will be staying with two Japanese families on our holiday to Japan next year. We would like to take gifts for these families but have no idea what to give - we understand that Japanese people like traditional English things (we are from Britian). - so does that mean Shortbread biscuits, beefeater toys, jam etc? What do you recommend or what would you like?
2006-09-02 21:51:19 · 15 answers · asked by Steph 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
They do like scotch. Tea is always a nice gift; a good quality English tea in a nice caddy. Shortbread is available in most shops here, so why not let them try any of the ginger biscuits - ginger is always popular and eating it as confectionary is a new experience for some japanese. The box or packing is important too.
Don't get marmite though! I haven't met anyone who likes it here!
I hope you have a great time and enjoy Japan!
2006-09-02 23:32:25 · answer #1 · answered by kiteeze 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I stayed in Japan for a month and you are right they do like traditional stuff, They stick to it religeously in their country so it needs to be somthing that you can only get here. Dont go for anything tacky like the beefetter toys. I agree with the Harrods think as that is only over here but you want to get them somthing the can keeo forever, Think of our culture and what is most important. I was given a kimono which is an authentic one and shown how to put it on. we definately dont get those here and a samari sword which i had to get shipped back for legal reasons. So maybe think of something like wine goblets, oh they like scotch cos of the saki thing so maybe get some british scotch and some glasses but if they have it all the time it might not be all that special, tea spoons, and thimbles are really cute, My brother bought me a harrods teddy bear once with the year stamped on it paws and thats really special. You could always get a print of big ben or the tower of london or like a statue trinket, lavender soaps are very good also. oh and stuff with roses on. But the best thing of all i think is Swarorski. Cant go wrong with a bit of crystal. see the link below. The swan is the most popular as its their trademark but they do roses and alsorts and it must be nicely wraped they are a bit ott on perfection when it comes to givin gifts. And make sure the card is one of those hand made ones
2006-09-02 23:45:00 · answer #2 · answered by Lost....Eve 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The gifts don't have to be expensive, but they should be nicely wrapped - the Japanese like that. The exchange of gifts can be quite formal - pass your gifts with both hands & receive gifts with both hands too. Scotch & Irish whiskey are popular. A gift for the house is appropriate for your hostess, but bear in mind that Japanese houses & gardens are small & Japanese people don't have as much 'stuff' as we do around their houses. Check what the import regulations are before bringing foodstuffs. Be prepared to take your shoes off when entering a house. (A good supply of new socks is reccommended!) 'Slurping' your noodles is acceptable, but blowing your nose in company & eating/drinking on the street aren't. Have a great holiday in Japan- it's a fascinating country.
2006-09-02 22:06:38 · answer #3 · answered by Caro 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As has been pointed out, presentation is everything. I'd reccommend that if you give a bottle of alcohol, give a decanter as well. This would be particularly nice if you could find one that is typical of your region somehow. I wouldn't bring tea- sand to the Sahara, and all that. An assortment of baked goods night go over well. I have it from many people who have travelled over there that food was a lot more expensive than they expected; particularly fruit. I do have Japanese friends and my family has had a Japanese foreign exchange student. Based on my experiences with them, anything inherently Western will go over well as a token from you.
2006-09-03 04:15:26 · answer #4 · answered by kivrin9 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had many Japanese friends and they love well-crafted handmade things. So maybe some needlepoint, maybe of a "typical" British scene? Or something hand-made in Britain that expresses something about the country, like a carved Welsh lovespoon or something like that. Something small that will be easy to pack and carry, and won't embarrass them by its lavishness, but well-crafted. I gave a friend a handmade ragdoll and she was thrilled with the detail of the making, its tiny clothes, etc.
2006-09-03 01:43:12 · answer #5 · answered by anna 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would get them a nice single-malt scotch. I seem to recall that the Japanese are rather fond of scotch. Plus, its "local" to Britian, which adds a nice touch.
I wouldn't get to extravagant with your choice, however. It may embarrass your host and make them feel obligated to "return the gesture".
2006-09-02 22:38:57 · answer #6 · answered by Skywarn96 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just give them something that is typical British, you are on the right track allready, and have a nice holiday, i like far eastern people, so much i married one. for 23 years now.
2006-09-03 00:39:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
japanese hosts will try to find out everything about you and your culture while you're there
not because they're nosey but because they are polite and interested in world politics
so buy them something small inexpensive but not tacky or plastic
something that reflects you because thats what they'll remember
you and where you came from,not england but your local area
2006-09-03 00:37:25 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rice
2006-09-02 21:52:53 · answer #9 · answered by nightskystar 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Anything from Harrod's in a Harrod's bag.
2006-09-02 21:58:37 · answer #10 · answered by General Guru Master 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋