Omiyage (お土産), the Basics

When someone does something nice for you, you normally want to do something nice back, right? You could go out and buy something, but consumer prices in Japan are usually wicked expensive. Besides, since I'll be coming from far-off America, wouldn't it be cool to give them a souvenir they couldn't normally get themselves? The Japanese call a souvenir an "omiyage." A funny word, maybe, but easy to say and remember (for those of us who saw the original Karate Kid, think of Mr. Miyagi and change it just a tad). Omiyage can range be anything from food, a small toy, a little box, or stamps. A little token of your appreciation for help or friendship.

"Gez, Alexandra, thanks for the vocab lesson and all, but why should we care?" I'm so glad you asked!

In Japan, the chain of events is usually as follows: clueless American arrives, fumbles around, attempts the language/culture, someone takes pity, really helps them figure things out, the American says thanks, and that's it. WRONG!! When someone does you a favor, you are expected to say more than just "domo" and think you've done well. Write a little card, give them a bag of sweets, or buy a key chain for their cell phone. International students need quite a bit of help in Japan, so we are expected to give quite a few omiyage.

"But that doesn't say much on what to bring. What would they like?"

Really, they won't care too much about what you bring, but here are some standards that your omiyage should meet:

1. Hard to find in Japan. Looking back, that cell phone key chain isn't a good idea since they are on every street corner and konbini (convenience store) in Japan.

2. It represents your area/state/country. Get little plush toys of your state bird, find some trifles from your school, buy post cards with pictures of your town, or get some thing that is made in your area (Malley's Chocolate, for example).

3. Add some words. Bringing anything with English on it will interest the Japanese. Don't we in America get excited if a song has some French in it (look to Lady Gaga for a clue)? The Japanese think that English words really cool, even if it makes no sense or says something very mundane.

4. Keep it small. Think of the omiyage as a knick-knack. Something that won't take up too much space in their house or your suitcase.

5. Taste appeal. A small snack that is popular in America is usually found in Japan. But since peanut butter is not widely used in Japan, something like a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup would be a fun, interesting sweet that they are not used to. Just make sure that your candy does not melt in the airplane; have someone ship a bag to you once your settled in the country.

A final thought, bring some omiyage back!! While out and about in the city, there are a lot of places that sell souvenirs and trinkets just like we do in America. Just make sure they fit in your suitcase.