Japanese Online Newsletter Vol. 156 日本の習慣 お土産（にほんのしゅうかん おみやげ）
Jan
16
もう
Japanese Customs: Souvenirs
In Japan, when you’re invited to someone’s house or office, it’s customary to bring a gift. So, be sure to bring something, even if it’s something small. If there’s nothing in the neighborhood, try to buy a cake or some Japanese sweets on the way there. Don’t arrive empty handed.
When I travel to Japan on business, I try to buy some inexpensive nuts, chocolates, and sweets from American supermarkets to bring with me. If I bring something expensive, the recipient will be concerned. So, I buy a number of moderately-priced items with me to Japan. I used to bring beef jerky back with me, but now I can’t because travelers can no longer bring beef products into Japan from overseas. I’m not sure if the same applies to cheese and smoked salmon, so I don’t buy them as souvenirs either. Additionally, I don’t think wine would be a good souvenir because it’s heavy and limited in quantity. Even though it may be appreciated.
On the other hand, I bring back Japanese sweets, omusubi (rice balls), etc. when I come back to the U.S. from Japan. I also can’t bring back beef, pork, and chicken meat with me because travelers aren’t allowed to bring them from overseas. For example, if a Cup Noodles has pork broth in it, they’ll confiscate it from you at the airport and you won’t be able to bring it back. It’s the same case for omusubi. Fish isn’t a problem to bring back, so I usually try to buy some salmon, mentaiko, tarako, nori, ume, etc. as souvenirs.
If you’re going to someone’s house or office in Japan, remember to bring souvenirs.
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