Omiyage (souvenir)? Why's that?
Coming to Japan? Gift culture and souvenir's whether you like it or not, are an important thing to bring! Gift culture penetrates into every prefecture, with a trip to a local convenience store full of opportunities to gawk at the the local hello kitty key dongle/ item. Friends and family when coming back from a trip will often bring back a reminder of their trip to give to their friends (even though it may be the next prefecture). This gift culture boom brings along with it expectations/ hopes that when you fly over to japan that you will bring a nice little something along from Australia just with your friends in mind.
But what to Take??
Coming to Japan? Gift culture and souvenir's whether you like it or not, are an important thing to bring! Gift culture penetrates into every prefecture, with a trip to a local convenience store full of opportunities to gawk at the the local hello kitty key dongle/ item. Friends and family when coming back from a trip will often bring back a reminder of their trip to give to their friends (even though it may be the next prefecture). This gift culture boom brings along with it expectations/ hopes that when you fly over to japan that you will bring a nice little something along from Australia just with your friends in mind.
But what to Take??
Below i have compiled a list of things that i think would be good Omiyage for a Japanese person.
General Rules when choosing
- Try and Buy Australian made products (I know its hard).
- Japanese like individually packaged Items.
- Super sweet, Strongly flavoured or Unusual tasting foods generally don't suit the Japanese palate. e.g. Vegimite (Strong flavour + Smell + Unusual)
- Try to buy High-quality goods as their quality may reflect back on Aus.
Food
Timtams
The most famous and widely given Australian souvenir. You may be surprised however, that you can buy them in japan! That's right! The original and the Double coat varieties are available in foreign stores (at an inflated Australian price), so first i would advise buying "rarer" flavors. Before you give this as a gift make sure the person likes SWEET things, it is quite common for boys and adults to not. People who dont like super sweet things probably also wont like Timtams.
Individual fingers -
Perfect size for a Japanese person! Whats more you can easily divide the packet to give to a number of different people at once!
Perfect size for a Japanese person! Whats more you can easily divide the packet to give to a number of different people at once!
Mini packs -
A recent development, however a GREAT one for Omiyage! Japanese generally cant eat a whole (normal) packet of Timtams so Mini packs are a better choice.
A recent development, however a GREAT one for Omiyage! Japanese generally cant eat a whole (normal) packet of Timtams so Mini packs are a better choice.
Normal sized pack -
Recommend for Original or Double coat varieties only. In addition, check before hand if that person likes sweet things as a normal size packet is HUGE for a Japanese person.
Recommend for Original or Double coat varieties only. In addition, check before hand if that person likes sweet things as a normal size packet is HUGE for a Japanese person.
Choc-Mint Biscuits -
I know its not Timtams but i would like to give them special mention. Japanese people like mint/ menthol, so these creme filled goodies are a good alternative to the plain Timtams everyone else gives.
I know its not Timtams but i would like to give them special mention. Japanese people like mint/ menthol, so these creme filled goodies are a good alternative to the plain Timtams everyone else gives.
Snacks
Shake'em' pancakes -
Unbelievably japan does not have these! "Hot Cake" mix is all the rage but no super convenient way to make them! Best invention ever! Particularly a good gift for a host mother! + a few packets of the mix. Down side however is they take up allot of space
Unbelievably japan does not have these! "Hot Cake" mix is all the rage but no super convenient way to make them! Best invention ever! Particularly a good gift for a host mother! + a few packets of the mix. Down side however is they take up allot of space
Smiths/ Thins chips -
The worlds best chips! (in my opinion) Japanese chip varieties are strange and not that good (again in my opinion). Smiths stands out as it is an Australian company and super scrumptious.
- Original (Would be popular)
- Salt and Vinegar (Does not exist!)
- Chicken
- BBQ
- Light and tangy/ Sour cream and chives -
*Down side = takes up allot of space
The worlds best chips! (in my opinion) Japanese chip varieties are strange and not that good (again in my opinion). Smiths stands out as it is an Australian company and super scrumptious.
- Original (Would be popular)
- Salt and Vinegar (Does not exist!)
- Chicken
- BBQ
- Light and tangy/ Sour cream and chives -
*Down side = takes up allot of space
Other Chips -
just about every flavor common in Aus is not available in japan so anything goes.
-Honey and bacon
-Sour cream and Chili
-Cracked pepper and lemon
just about every flavor common in Aus is not available in japan so anything goes.
-Honey and bacon
-Sour cream and Chili
-Cracked pepper and lemon
Caramello Koala -
Only for the hardcore sweet lovers, but they come in a pack of 12, are individually packaged (so you can give them to more than one person) and are in the shape of a Koala! Good gift for Japanese girls
Only for the hardcore sweet lovers, but they come in a pack of 12, are individually packaged (so you can give them to more than one person) and are in the shape of a Koala! Good gift for Japanese girls
Ice magic -
Box ice cream isn't that common in japan however people will go out and buy a box for this. Japanese people are memorized by the sauce hardening into chocolate. Great for a family!
Box ice cream isn't that common in japan however people will go out and buy a box for this. Japanese people are memorized by the sauce hardening into chocolate. Great for a family!
Australia themed foods -
There are a wide range of Australian themed products in your local supermarket. One of my favorites is Jumpies pictured left.
Some others i have tried are:
There are a wide range of Australian themed products in your local supermarket. One of my favorites is Jumpies pictured left.
Some others i have tried are:
- Coles - "Koala and friends" - Not great
Eucalyptus Lollies-
More of a novelty than for seriousness, but Japanese will be interested to try them out. People may squirm at the flavour but will find the experience "interesting"
More of a novelty than for seriousness, but Japanese will be interested to try them out. People may squirm at the flavour but will find the experience "interesting"
Licorice -
Again a novelty thing, Give it to someone who is into trying something new! most people will have never heard of this before! in the west you are either a person who hates liqorish or you love it. In japan 90% of the time you will be in the "hate" category (i myself love it). In Asia liqorish is only used in medicine so don't be surprised if people don't like the flavour.
Again a novelty thing, Give it to someone who is into trying something new! most people will have never heard of this before! in the west you are either a person who hates liqorish or you love it. In japan 90% of the time you will be in the "hate" category (i myself love it). In Asia liqorish is only used in medicine so don't be surprised if people don't like the flavour.
- Generally sweets are good presents for Children and Girls.
Wine
Australia is famous for our Bitter/ Dry Sharaz varieties, which generally do not suit the Japanese pallet of soft, white and sweet! This goes to our rivals NZ.
Unfortunately there are not small tester wine bottles (not that i know of) which would be great in japan. Carrying wine bottles long distance is a bit of a risk as it is liquid warped in glass... two things you don't want in your electrical goods/ clothing. But up to you any of the below two brands would go well
Unfortunately there are not small tester wine bottles (not that i know of) which would be great in japan. Carrying wine bottles long distance is a bit of a risk as it is liquid warped in glass... two things you don't want in your electrical goods/ clothing. But up to you any of the below two brands would go well
Jacobs creek
Yellow tail
Stationary
Japanese love stationary, and as a result everything over here is of very high quality. Buying cheap pens and pencils are tempting, but try to go for more quality as this may reflect badly on Aus
Australian flag stationary
Im not sure if they exist but if they did these are what Japanese would like
Im not sure if they exist but if they did these are what Japanese would like
- Pacers
- Erasers
Australian themed stickers
A little boring, especially since many designs are plain, but at least its the thought that counts! and there more practical than those removable tatoos.
A little boring, especially since many designs are plain, but at least its the thought that counts! and there more practical than those removable tatoos.
Clothing
Japanese sizes are generally smaller so take this into consideration when choosing.
I love ..... shirt
i love Sydney
i love Australia
i love .. your home town
always popular
i love Sydney
i love Australia
i love .. your home town
always popular
Australia themed thongs -
Japanese love thongs!
Japanese love thongs!
Australia themed swimwear -
Swimming in japan is not like swimming back home. Beaches are full of fully clothed, hatted women covered in sunscreen. Australia flag bikini for girls may be nice but may not be seen all that often. Board shorts are the best for guys as Speedo's are almost a form of sexual harassment in japan but would be good for a laugh.
Note: Do not get printed swimwear as the paint soon cracks and wears off. You want your flag to last forever!
Swimming in japan is not like swimming back home. Beaches are full of fully clothed, hatted women covered in sunscreen. Australia flag bikini for girls may be nice but may not be seen all that often. Board shorts are the best for guys as Speedo's are almost a form of sexual harassment in japan but would be good for a laugh.
Note: Do not get printed swimwear as the paint soon cracks and wears off. You want your flag to last forever!
Misc.
Key chains -
Unfortunately the number of designs is quite limited and not many of them are to Japanese tastes, but if you find a good one, go ahead!
Unfortunately the number of designs is quite limited and not many of them are to Japanese tastes, but if you find a good one, go ahead!
Toys -
- Koala pack
- Stuffed animal toys
Beer accessories -
Some guys may appreciate beer accessories! however Stubbie holders and place mats are not as common here, beware!
Some guys may appreciate beer accessories! however Stubbie holders and place mats are not as common here, beware!
Australian Towel -
(non beach variety?? if this exists)
(non beach variety?? if this exists)
Australian nail stickers
Other accessories (if they exist) Australian scarf | Note: Over time i will continue adding things to this list so please check back here from time to time if you are interested. |
If you have any other suggestions for Aussie souvenirs please leave them in the comments below.