Omiyage
Something you'll notice early into your life in Japan is omiyage (お土産) culture! Typically when people travel in Japan, they often bring back a gift to share with their co-workers or friends. These gifts are often translated as souvenirs but the connotation is a little different. Souvenirs are generally intended for one specific person whereas omiyage are usually shared with everyone at home or in the office. More often than not omiyage will come in the form of snacks and sweets - it won't be long before your desk drawer is chock-full of delicious treats.
For example, if a co-worker heads off to the UK on holiday, they could bring back a box of shortbread or some traditional British sweets for the office. I definitely recommend getting on board for two reasons. First, giving gifts to colleagues and coworkers is a great chance to break the ice and have a quick chat and secondly, do it for those sweet snacks. Although it certainly won't be expected that you bring omiyage with you, its definitely a nice gesture. If you do decide to bring back omiyage, the people you should really consider are the principal and vice-principals of your school, as well as your supervisor and any other teachers you teach with. If you really want to push the boat and make a big impression then you could always bring enough for the office staff, your landlord and your neighbours. |
Gift Ideas - What should I bring?
I was so worried about buying omiyage before I came, you don't have to be. Here are some nifty tips about what to bring:
1. Food is the best and easiest gift
The best idea for gifts is something edible as this is always a great conversation starter and a brilliant way to share your culture. People will always be happy with food.
2. Bring something they can't get in Japan
Better than just food is something that in some way represents your hometown or your country. Cookies from a local shop will go down a lot better than a Kit Kat.
3. Don't bring anything that can melt
Be warned though, when you arrive it'll be ridiculously hot so err on the side of caution if you're considering brining chocolate or anything else that can melt or otherwise be destroyed.
4. Don't bring huge gifts
Also, be wary of the size of your gifts, especially if you're intending to bring enough for the whole office. Packing for a new life in Japan is one of the most difficult things you'll have to do and you certainly won't want your suitcase stuffed with big boxes of sweets.
5. For the whole office
Hygiene is really important in Japan. If you are intending to bring something that can be shared with the entire office, then make sure that they are individually wrapped. People will be much more likely to take one back to their desk to eat at a later point.
1. Food is the best and easiest gift
The best idea for gifts is something edible as this is always a great conversation starter and a brilliant way to share your culture. People will always be happy with food.
2. Bring something they can't get in Japan
Better than just food is something that in some way represents your hometown or your country. Cookies from a local shop will go down a lot better than a Kit Kat.
3. Don't bring anything that can melt
Be warned though, when you arrive it'll be ridiculously hot so err on the side of caution if you're considering brining chocolate or anything else that can melt or otherwise be destroyed.
4. Don't bring huge gifts
Also, be wary of the size of your gifts, especially if you're intending to bring enough for the whole office. Packing for a new life in Japan is one of the most difficult things you'll have to do and you certainly won't want your suitcase stuffed with big boxes of sweets.
5. For the whole office
Hygiene is really important in Japan. If you are intending to bring something that can be shared with the entire office, then make sure that they are individually wrapped. People will be much more likely to take one back to their desk to eat at a later point.