What souvenirs should i get for my friends in Japan?

Question

Also, what souvenirs should i buy in japan for my friends, family, and myself?

as in a souvenir from the united states to give to my friends in japan

Answer 1

From US to Japan:
T shirts
Sports items (an official team baseball or football would be great)
Harry Potter books (in English. They have the Japanese translated versions over there, and many would love to have the "original" copies)
Food stuff: Beef jerky, Ferrero Rocher candies, chili hot sauces (This is quite a novelty in Japan. Japanese cooking is usually on the mild side and most people rarely use hot sauces, at least nothing stronger than Tabasco).

From Japan to US:
Small wood, ceramic or papier mache souvenirs that you find around shrines and tourist locations (I know they are touristy but hard to find anywhere else).
Woodblock prints (expensive)
A new car (just kidding)

Don't get: DVDs (The US is considered "region 1" and Japan is "region 2" and their DVDs are not compatible. Some are "region 0" and can play anywhere, but they are rare).

Answer 2

stickers, pens, pencils, chopsticks. If you like crafts, ask her to look at a craft store or sewing store--they have these little books that show you how to make super cute "mascots" (tiny animals you can hang on your bag) and/or stuffed animals "nuigurumi". The cheapest books are a dollar or two, the more expensive ones are about $10. These books are almost impossible to find in the US and are usually sold on ebay for at least double the original price. I also love Japanese magazines--fashion mags, mags w goth/lolita style or street style, and interior design or architecture. However, they can really weigh down your luggage. If your friend is a good friend ask her to buy a couple at the airport and carry them along on the plane.

Answer 3

Take those small souvenirs of
liberty statue or
naigara falls or
noah's arc or
If u want to give a personnel touch customize them by engraving on it from the stores.

Take few good chocolates,
good perfumes,
interactive toys for kids,
some good tops for girls/boys.

Some semi precious stones fancy jewellery for girls which can be for occasional wear.

Some good gadgets for boys which can come handy for them like ipod or any in ur budget.

list goes on......... :)

Answer 4

When going from the US to Japan, bring them candy...seriously. Japan's candy and sweets don't have much sugar in them, and know that ours does. So a sugar high is usually the best gift (I'm not kidding).

From Japan to the US, if your friends don't regular the Asian grocery stores, get them some pretty chop sticks, a cup, or non-perishable treats. Maybe even some Japanese candy or cookies to show them the difference in sugar.
If they DO regular Asian stores in the US, then probably something that you wouldn't find here, or that they wouldn't buy even if it is here, and since everything in Japan's so expensive, simple little things, even non-practical gifts like a ninja sword-letter opener is cute and appreciated.

Answer 5

For your Japanese friends, depends on their age and budget, t-shirt, baseball hats, California wine, etc.

Japan is souvenirs heaven.
again depends on your budget, the possibility is endless.
find something relate to your trip, Japanese culture, etc. and please, don't get any Japanese Disney land stuff....
For yourself - check out Akihabara (electronic town) for some new gadget - make sure the power voltage is right for the U.S. though

Answer 6

Maybe some books, or some handicrafts specially made in your country. When I came to Japan, I brought chopsticks made from woods, originally handmade from my country, and also small leather puppet (wayang), a cultural symbol of Javanese people. In Japan, the temples/shrines sell many lucky charms or so, but (1) make sure you can speak Japan, because (2) every lucky charm has its own purpose, like a special charm to make one give birth easier, lucky charm to safe trip, etc. And not much people in the shrines can speak English, so you may end up buying lucky charms not suitable for your purpose. There are also small beautiful gifts like keychains, but I heard rumors that gifts with price less than 100 yen are made in China. You know, Japan-made souvenirs are well-quality and usually wrapped beautifully.

Answer 7

Hmmmm. I would get something that is made in the USA. Something from Harley Davidson, something from Lennox China, but check all the labels because some of it is made overseas. It depends on where you are in the USA too.

Texas....something with Chili peppers
Vermont....100% pure Vermont Maple Syrup...have it shipped
Oregon.....Salmon? Again, have it shipped or checked as luggage all the way home.

E-mail me your location and I'll give you some good ideas. Enjoy your trip!

Answer 8

You should get them things in Japan that you don't see in the US. (no chopsticks, etc.) Try to find something personalized, like their name written in Kanji style. Bring a Japanese newpaper back for them to look at. Japanese candy is also a fun gift- it tastes WAY better than American candy! ^_^

Answer 9

Coins may be an option. A roll of pennies or some combination of pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters may be well received.

And Japanese currency might be well received here in the states. If some of the coins have empty centers (but perhaps they don't), they may be good for necklaces or large key rings.

Answer 10

One of souvenirs in Japan.