Click here for FREE full access to the Japanese Absolute Beginner Course by JapanesePod101. Offer available until June 30th 2021!
Do you have someone in your life who’s obsessed with Japan?
(It’s ok if that person is you… I won’t tell anyone 😉 )
Are you looking for cool Japanese gift ideas for Christmas or a birthday? Start by checking out my list of dream Japanese themed gifts!
I’ve put together this gift guide of Japan inspired gifts, to help you choose the perfect present. Whether you’re looking for something kawaii, traditional or quirky, pick something from this list to make a Japan lover happy!
Contents
- 1 21+ cool Japanese gift ideas for Japan fans
- 2 1. Sushi socks
- 3 2. Japanese Kit Kat selection box
- 4 3. Pringles yakisoba
- 5 4. Personalised Japanese name stamp
- 6 5. A Geek in Japan book
- 7 6. Kawaii subscription box
- 8 7. Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
- 9 8. Mini zen garden
- 10 9. Rice bowls and chopsticks set
- 11 10. Japanese activity kit for kids
- 12 11. Tokyo Cult Recipes
- 13 12. Sake set
- 14 13. Rilakkuma chopsticks
- 15 14. Lonely Planet Japan travel guide
- 16 15. Japanese name necklace
- 17 16. Kakigori maker
- 18 17. Sushi making kit
- 19 18. Japanese candy subscription box
- 20 19. Traditional Japanese snack box
- 21 20. Ghibli socks
- 22 21. All the best stuff is from Japan T-shirt
21+ cool Japanese gift ideas for Japan fans
1. Sushi socks
I looove these quirky sushi socks! There are three pairs of socks in this box, all rolled up to look like sushi 🙂
I think the presentation and the attention to detail in this cute gift set is also very Japanese!
2. Japanese Kit Kat selection box
Kit Kats are HUGE in Japan! (Did you see this article in the New York Times?)
In case you didn’t know, there are hundreds of different flavours of Kit Kat in Japan. Most are special editions that you can only get in certain cities or certain seasons. So they’re a real collector’s item!
This Kit Kat selection box will be a real treat for anyone who loves Japanese sweets!
It includes flavours such as matcha green tea, purple sweet potato, strawberry cheescake and wasabi 😋
3. Pringles yakisoba
Here is another cult Japanese foodie item that has been doing the rounds on social media recently.
These are instant yakisoba noodles, flavoured as sour cream and onion Pringles!
These noodles have been super popular in Japan since they launched in Japan recently, and finally I found somewhere that will ship them overseas :). They would make a fun Japan themed stocking filler.
4. Personalised Japanese name stamp
Name stamps (hanko or inkan) are used in Japan instead of signatures. When you open a bank account or sign a contract, Japanese people use their own personalised rubber stamp. In addition, Japanese artists stamp their work instead of signing it.
This shop gives you the opportunity to order your own name stamp, direct from Japan! You can choose a cute image like a cat, or a more traditional shape. The shop will translate your name and make it into the stamp.
This is a really unique gift for anyone interested in Japanese culture, and it could also be a useful stamp for anyone interested in crafts, scrapbooking or art.
5. A Geek in Japan book
This awesome book is an alternative guide to Japanese culture. As you would expect from the name, it talks a lot about ‘geeky’ culture like manga, anime and video games in Japan.
But it also provides an introduction to traditional Japan, like zen Buddhism and tea ceremony. This is an excellent book for anyone who wants to learn more about the many sides of life in Japan!
6. Kawaii subscription box
Kawaii (cute) culture is one of Japan’s most famous exports!
Kawaii means everything girly, sweet and adorable, from Hello Kitty plushies to cute fashion accessories. The Kawaii Box is a Japanese subscription box that sends you a monthly surprise selection of kawaii goodies from Japan and Korea.
Each box is different, but it may include toys, phone charms, stationery, stickers, candy and beauty products. Imagine an entire box of cool Japanese gifts!
I think a subscription box makes an amazing gift, because the lucky giftee actually gets several presents to open throughout the year! ❤️
Of course, you can just order one box if budget is an issue.
7. Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life
Ikigai is a Japanese word meaning the joy of having a purpose in life.
It’s a central concept in Japanese culture, and it’s believed to be one of the reasons for Japan’s long life expectancy.
This book exploring ikigai was released last year and it became an international bestseller! It would make a great gift for Japanese culture lovers or anyone interested in concepts such as mindfulness and finding joy.
8. Mini zen garden
Here’s another cute gift idea for anyone interested in the zen, Buddhism and meditation aspects of Japanese culture. This mini zen garden can let anyone create a special place for relaxation at home.
This would be perfect if you have a shrine or chill-out area at home. I also think it would be a nice gift for a busy employee to keep on their desk for when they need to calm down at work.
You can rake it with the miniature rake and arrange the little figurines however you like!
9. Rice bowls and chopsticks set
Rice bowls like this are used at every meal time in Japan, so they make a perfect Japanese inspired gift for someone who loves the food and culture.
I love this set because of the classic sakura (cherry blossom) design. And it even comes with chopsticks!
10. Japanese activity kit for kids
Want to teach your children about the wonderful Japanese culture? This cute gift set contains origami paper, stickers, photos, fact sheets, a paper fan and an activity book. A great way to introduce your children to Japan!
This could be a nice kit for teachers to use in culture lessons too.
11. Tokyo Cult Recipes
If you ask any Japan lover what’s so great about Japan, a lot of the time the answer is the FOOD!
Japanese food has a reputation of being complicated to prepare, but actually this book makes it really simple and accessible.
I have this book. One thing I love about it is that is has all the Japanese classics you’d expect (sushi, miso soup) but it also has lots of yummy comfort food like curry, gyoza and other home cooking!
It also has great photos from authentic Japanese restaurants and home meals.
12. Sake set
Japanese sake (also known as nihonshu) is the popular Japanese rice wine. A typical set for serving sake consists of a ceramic flask and four small cups to share it. I love the traditional blue glaze on this set.
This would be a great gift for a Japanese culture lover or anyone who likes to try new drinks!
13. Rilakkuma chopsticks
Rilakkuma is one of the most beloved kawaii characters in Japan! This chopsticks set comes in its own case. It would be a great Japanese inspired gift for children or anyone who loves the cute character!
14. Lonely Planet Japan travel guide
Anyone obsessed with Japan must be dreaming of visiting Japan one day. Help them out with this comprehensive travel book! Lonely Planet are the best travel guides on the market. This one is almost 1000 pages long and covers everything from shopping in Tokyo to hiking in the countryside. There are lots of colour pictures too for day dreaming over. This is a must-have for anyone who hopes to travel to Japan!
15. Japanese name necklace
Name necklaces have been pretty trendy for a while. How about a name necklace in Japanese? This shop on Etsy will translate whatever name you want into Japanese and put it on a necklace. You could choose the name of the person who’ll wear the necklace, or perhaps the name of a loved one. (Or another word of your choice. This one actually says shiawase – happiness 🙂 ). It’s available in gold, silver or rose gold, and you can choose the font too!
16. Kakigori maker
Yep, another foodie gift… I can’t help myself!
If you are buying for someone who has spent summer in Japan, they will know and love kakigori. It’s a Japanese shaved ice dessert that is super popular on hot days. I have never seen them for sale overseas before but this site ships them from Japan 🙂
17. Sushi making kit
If you know a foodie who’s interested in Japan, let them have a go at making their own sushi! This kit contains everything you need to get started (except the fish!). You get rolling mats, chopsticks, sushi rice, sushi vinegar, a fan to cool the rice, recipes and more. A great introduction to Japanese food from your own home.
18. Japanese candy subscription box
Japanese candy and sweets are famous all over the world for their kawaii packaging, unusual tastes and general cuteness! If you’ve got a friend with a sweet tooth and a love of Japan, we love the Japan Candy Box. This subscription box service sends you 10 hand-picked quirky candies and snacks each month. They even have free shipping worldwide!
19. Traditional Japanese snack box
If sweets are not your thing, how about this alternative subscription box of traditional Japanese snacks. Bokksu curate beautiful selections of authentic Japanese food products which are only sold in Japan! They work in partnership with many old family-run businesses to bring you the most traditional snacks. Each box is wrapped in a beautiful reusable furoshiki wrapping. If your budget doesn’t stretch to a subscription, you can also order a one-off box.
20. Ghibli socks
Anyone who loves Japan knows and loves Studio Ghibli. It was the first thing many of us learned to love about Japan!
These cute women’s socks with characters from the Ghibli animations are a great Japanese gift for her.
21. All the best stuff is from Japan T-shirt
This cute T-shirt will make any Japan fan happy!
It has cute cartoon pictures of all Japan’s most famous and beloved things, from origami to Godzilla to the shinkansen bullet train! If you can’t decide what else to buy from this list, this tee covers all bases 😄
Available in men’s and women’s sizes.
What did you think? Will you buy anything off this list? Do you have any other good ideas for cool Japanese gifts? Let me know!
Also, check out my other post for gift ideas for people studying Japanese!
