Everyone knows at least one person who adores Japan and its amazing culture. Japanese culture is unique and mysterious, and every Japanese lover craves some traditional Japanese item in his collection. Finding the perfect Japanese gifts for people obsessed with Japan can be tricky.
We give you the best traditional and modern gift ideas inspired by Japan.
Gifts for Japanese culture lovers:
1. Bento Box
2. Chopsticks set with case
Japanese tableware is a combination of chopsticks and spoons. Every Japanophile will be delighted to have a beautiful set of traditional wooden chopsticks with the case. There are available in different colors and different decorations. You can choose between adult and kids’ sizes and decorations depending on who is the proud receiver of this original gift. They can be made of different materials like wood, plastic, and even metal. Choose with your heart and the choice will be right.
3. Japanese lacquerware
Japanese lacquerware gives you endless gift-solutions, from tableware to the lady’s accessories. These items have a peculiar beauty and style. While using any object of Japanese lacquerware you will feel like royalty. Here we give you a gift idea for a special lady of yours, the hand mirror in black color with flower decoration. It will charm you with its beauty.
4. Kimono Fabric Purse
If you want to surprise someone with a symbolic Japanese gift that doesn’t have a high price, then this purse is the right for you. Made from kimono fabric, these little purses for coins are very popular in Japan. Every Japanese lady has one of them in their bag.
These purses can be made in different colors and designs, but every single one of them has that „kawaii“ charm in itself.
5. Traditional hair accessories or „Kanzashi“
The Japanese hairpin „Kanzashi“ design is different from every other in the rest of the world. Since the design of the kimono leaves no space for any type of jewelry, the traditional Japanese hair accessories is jewelry itself. With so many different designs, colors and materials the choice is endless and there is no way you won’t find the one that suits your desires the best.
6. Japanese Kimono
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7. Origami Paper
A complex word made of verb „oru“ which means „ to fold“ and the noun „kami“ which means „paper“ perfectly describes what you should do with this artistic paper. If you have friends that are into art and creativity and at the same time they are Japan lovers, then this should be a perfect gift for them. If you include some origami books with the origami paper, you will probably become the best gift giver.
8. Japanese Sweets
Japanese traditional sweets are usually made of the sweet beans, and they are not as sweet as the candies from other countries. That is why they are made to match the green “macha” tea, which is basically bitter, and the small amount of sugar in the candy will be the perfect amount. They look perfect and their appearance is a work of art. The choice of taste and decor is incredible.
9. Cosmetics for ladies
Japanese women are well-known for their impeccable skin beauty. Their skin care cosmetic is ahead of all the other cosmetics. No matter if it is skin, hair, or body care, or any type of makeup product, you can’t make a mistake with Japanese labels like Hada Labo, Shiseido, or any other. The lady who receives this kind of gift will know how to use it in the best way.
10. Rice Cooker
A Rice cooker is among the expensive gifts on this list. But can you get more Japanese than the rice cooker? The manufacturer choice, as well as the design diversity, is incredible and this would probably be the best gift for your own house. This is a small but mighty appliance. You can always make perfectly cooked rice with this little devilish appliance.
11. Books about Japan
We all have that one friend who likes reading and collecting books. The best way to surprise him is to buy him/her a book about Japan and its culture. It can also be a book about the Japanese language for those who would like to learn this exotic language and its incredible „kanji“ or the Japanese cookbook. You can find the perfect Japanese gifts for every taste in the books.
Book 1 on Amazon
Book 2 on Amazon
12. Japanese Stamps
Using reward stamps in the teaching practice is really popular in Japan. If you have one of those you could surprise him with this inexpensive gift. These stamps are usually made of wood and they can be even personalized with the name or some other symbol that characterizes you. This could also be a really nice present for kids.
13. Sushi making kit
Whoever tried sushi, had at least once a great desire to make sushi by himself/ herself. Now it is available to buy a whole sushi kit with nori, wasabi paste, rolling mat, chopsticks, sushi vinegar, ginger, sushi rice, and everything else that you need for perfect sushi rolls. Depending on the manufacturer the number of items in the making kit can be different as well as the price.
14. Maneki Neko
Maneki Neko is a symbol of happiness in Japan. Almost every house, shop, restaurant, office, or company has one of these. It is the talisman that brings good things to the owner. Everyone who likes Japan certainly loves „Maneki Neko“. You can find it in different colors and sizes, and there are versions with right-hand waving, and with left-hand waving. The symbolism is different, the right-handed cat brings happiness to the house, while there is a belief that the left-handed Maneki Neko brings success to the business. It is most certainly a really nice gift for Japanese lovers.
15. Ceramic Japanese Hot Sake Set
Japanese people have a tradition to drink their sake in different ways, no matter if the sake is warm or cold, it is always served in a ceramic carafe and small ceramic cups. The design can be different and the choice is endless. Just choose the one that made your eyes sparkle. The best sake set includes the warmer cos’ it gives you the more traditional way to serve warm sake to your friends.
16. Hand-crafted Japanese-style folding fan
If you had the chance to take a walk to the „Kiyomizudera“ Temple, you will pass beside numerous shops with traditional folding fans. The fans are collectibles in Japan, and most of them are handmade. Their decoration is incredible, and we are sure that you will have difficulties choosing just one. They will steal your heart with their beauty.
17. „Furoshiki“ or the wrapping cloth
In Japan, along with the kimono fabric purses, it is popular to carry your bento box wrapped in „furoshiki“. It is a piece of nicely painted or decorated cloth that wraps whatever you are carrying with you and has the role of a bag. The prices can be different depending on the fabric quality, the decoration, the way of manufacturing ( it’s more expensive if it is made and decorated by hand), the size, etc. Every Japanese lover will be happy to have his own „furoshiki“.
18. Teacups
It is hard to find two exactly the same handmade teacups. Even those in the set have minor differences in decoration, so every one of them is unique in its own way. Serving tea in different cups is pretty common in Japan, they probably belong to different historical periods, and they can be even 100 years old. In their simplicity lies all their impeccable beauty.
19. „Noren“ or the doorway curtain
„Noren“ is usually seen at the shops and restaurant doorway. What is less known is that they can be a part of indoor decoration. Many households separate rooms with the „Noren“ giving the impression that you are entering a new room. They can be found in different sizes and of course, the decoration and colors can be various. I have my own „Noren“, and it is actually one of my favorite Japanese gifts.
20. Death Note Box Set
Have you ever met a real Japanese culture lover who doesn’t like manga or anime? No, right! Some of the most popular manga creations are Naruto, Death Note, Ouran High School Host Club, and many many others. Of course, you should pick the one that suits the receiver’s taste the best. This time we thought that the Death Note Box Set is the right choice. It has everything that a manga lover will need. If your Japan lover friends aren’t Death Note fans jet, they will become one once they read it. This manga book set is packaged in a nice Death Note-themed box.
21. Oriental Furniture Fan Calligraphy Set
Calligraphy has been popular in Japan ever since the Chinese writing system reached the Japanese islands. In order to develop and improve this skill, every artist needs the right tools. This set has everything that a calligraphy artist can wish for. It is packaged in a nice and totally Japanese-like fan box. Even if you are not that skilled in calligraphy, this nice gift can be a decoration in an office or living room. As a super-crazy-ultra-Giga Japan lover, I myself would be blown away by this cool oriental present.
22. BAMBOOWORX Japanese Tea Set
Tea drinking culture is a tradition in Japan and people who visit this wonderful country will be a part of at least one tea ceremony. Once they try matcha they will crave for more even when they leave the borders of Japan. To make matcha it is necessary to use certain tools that will lead a preparatory to the final goal, a nice, green, foamy, and strong tea. If you buy this gift from a Japanese lover, he will treat you with authentic Japanese matcha. Sometimes when you give, you actually get.
23. Otamatone Japanese Electronic Musical Instrument
We all know that Japanese people are being popular for their crazy gadgets and incredibly strange items they use in everyday life. This unique musical instrument is one of those typically Japanese items. A real connoisseur of this interesting culture will appreciate a weird gift like this one. It can be found in different colors, and you don’t have to be a real musician to produce melodies on this strange and cute instrument.
24. Mini Zen Garden
Zen gardens have their roots in Japan. In almost every small and big town, you will be able to see zen gardens where people can enjoy the silence and think about great life mining. That is why small zen gardens became popular. When you have no time to visit real places of wisdom, you can draw shapes in your own small garden and create home feng shui. People who like to decorate their homes in Japanese style will be delighted with this gift.
25. Chopsticks Rest
The chopstick’s rest is the inevitable part of every table set. If your Japanese lover friends like to prepare Japanese-themed dinners, this gift will blow them off their feet. They are available in many different designs and shapes, and you can choose those that will suit their kitchen style the best. This particular model is made of porcelain, but you can find those made of stainless steel for modern kitchen and dining rooms. The choice is endless.
26. Japanese Fishing Floats
If you are creative and want to make an original gift by yourself, we suggest you try to make these great fishing floats.
27. Koinobori
Koinobori is carp-shaped windsocks traditionally flown in Japan to celebrate Children’s Day.
Buying Japanese gifts for a huge fan of Japanese culture isn’t something most people know how to do. There are some super cool Japanese accessories and gear out there, but you are stuck and do not know what to choose. This is why we have a few ideas and any gift from the list to choose you can not make mistakes.
