What should I take to my questionable Japanese host family?

Question

I was accepted into a Japanese credit abroad program for this summer and I will be spending 10 days with a family in Fukuoka during my trip. The problem is I want to bring gifts for the family, but I won't know the dynamics (mom, dad, children) of the family until I get there. What would be a few good ideas to bring them that would be acceptable if there were boys or girls or for the parents? Thanks for the help!

Answer 1

I'd bring gifts from your hometown, city or state. It could be a basketball team t-shirt, or glasses. Maybe something, or some product that your city or state is famous for making.

Answer 2

The best gifts you can give would be food from where you live, something that is not readily available in Japan, If your country is known for a certain type of candy, or something that is only available in your area, those are by far the best gifts you can give, but be aware, do not spend too much money on gifts as your host would feel obligated to return the gift in kind. Another thing you can give would be postcards or books about where you live, as those are 1. cheap, and 2. cool to the Japanese because they have probably never been there.

When I met up with Mochan and the wish club in Tokyo and later rode down with him and some other travelers to Shizuoka, I brought books on Florida, as well as postcards, the girl who was visiting from Korea brought Kimchee, and it was shared among all of the guests at the party.

Also avoid really spicy foods if thats what you plan to bring, the Japanese are not as used to spicy foods as much as most Americans and it would probably be too spicy for their tastes.

Also fruits and veggies are pretty much out too, the markets there have access to pretty much any type of produce from around the world, and I have never seen such a huge and juicy orange as I found in Tokyo, and I live in Florida.

Clothing from your area would be a great idea as the first answerer said, but make sure you pick the smaller sizes as Japanese as a rule are at the biggest considered a large t-shirt size, usually medium or small. Local team, your city, state, local universities and the like would be great.

Major brands from the USA are pretty much readily available in Japan so don't show up with a bag of Doritos :) Another thing I feel I should warn you about, Don't bring anything that needs to be baked as they typically do not have ovens in their houses.

You will have an absolute blast in Japan, the culture is amazing, and you will love it I am sure. If you get in the mood for Mountain Dew, Check the arcades in Akihabara, I found a machine in there that sells the dew.

Answer 3

Bring a "coffee table" book of your hometown, state, country or whatever. It doesn't matter that the text is in English, it's the pretty pictures that count. That way they will have it forever, unlike anything consumable. If you are from say....New Jersey that might not work so well, but I'm from Nova Scotia so it works fo me.

Answer 4

hi

I think you can give them oil painting from their photo means turn their photo in oil painting it will create nice impression on them.

Capture that special moment.turn it into a masterpiece that will last forever!

i suggest u to look at this site i think it will help u,

A great idea for a personal and unique gift is a handmade painting made from a photo that you send.

Check out this site: http://www.portrait2000.com
They have many samples here http://www.portrait2000.com/samples.htm

The prices are reasonable and the outcome is amazing.

Answer 5

Japanese love American candy! If you can get a few bags of American candy I am sure they would be very happy. They are not expecting anything too expensive or extravagant from you, so don't embarrass them be giving something in appropriate.