Parenting

23 Japanese-Inspired Gifts For Your Inner Shinnichi (Because We Can't Travel Internationally)

by Emily Popp
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
japanese gifts
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You may think that in order to find the best Japanese gifts you have to book a flight to Tokyo, but we’ve found a much less expensive way to shop for the coolest presents that will delight your inner “shinnichi” (that’s Japanese for Japanophile). And since we can’t travel internationally these days (due to you know, the whole global pandemic situation), products that remind us of our favorite destinations are all the more comforting.

I’ve been lucky enough to travel to Japan many times because my brother lives in Osaka, Japan with his wife and their newborn son. And while the country has so much to offer (some of the best food on the planet, the gorgeous cherry blossom season, etc.), one of my favorite parts of visiting Japan is the incredible shopping. I’ve dropped a lot of yen on shopping sprees there and scored some of the coolest, most unique finds.

Japan has a very big gifting culture, and so I called up my brother, Alexander, and his wife, Chiyo (who is Japanese and grew up in Kyoto), for some direct insight. “Presentation is very important in Japan,” they explained. “It’s not necessarily just about the things inside the box. It’s considered polite to open a present slowly and carefully because of all the care that went into wrapping it.”

Below, we’ve pulled together some of the best Japanese gift ideas that will make a perfect present for anyone on your list.

Cool Japanese Gifts

Kanesho Pottery Snoopy Plate Set
Shun Classic Chef’s Knife
$159.94
Keki Modern Cakes Bouncy Japanese Cheesecake

Goldbelly is a website where you can buy famous regional foods and have them shipped to your door. If you’ve ever been to Japan, you know that their baked goods are out of this world. The lines round the corner at Keki’s Chinatown, New York bakery with people waiting for this jiggly cheesecake influenced by traditional Japanese desserts. It’s hard to describe its deliciousness in words—you just have to taste it for yourself.

$65
Tuttle Publishing Japanese Gift Wrapping Paper
Hello Kitty Water Dispenser

Hello Kitty is arguably the most famous character to come out of Japan, and she’s beloved by children and adults alike. You can find a lot of Sanrio (the Japanese company products that created Hello Kitty) products that aren’t necessarily toys targeted at kids, like this Hello Kitty water cooler.

$29.50
Artificial Sushi For Decoration, 20 Piece Set
Suntory Toki Japanese Whiskey

If you’ve ever seen the movie “Lost In Translation,” you’ve heard of Suntory Japanese whiskey. It’s an iconic brand, but you don’t have to fly to Japan to buy it; just order it online.

$39.99
Cup Noodles Baby Onesie

Ever been to college? Then you appreciate ramen. Cup Noodles originated in Japan, and there’s actually an entire museum devoted to the snack in Osaka.

$30
Tiger Corporation Rice Cooker
$155
Aesthetic Milk Cute T-Shirt
$19.69
Sake Flavored Kit Kats
$19
Japanese Kewpie Mayonnaise
$21.94
SushiQuik Sushi Making Kit
Williams Sonoma Stainless Steel Chopsticks, Set of 5

These stainless steel chopsticks are a modern take on the classic Asian utensil.

$12.95
Uniqlo Fluffy Yarn Fleece Slippers

Slippers are important in Japan because people don’t wear shoes in their homes. Uniqlo is a Japanese brand, so these cozy Uniqlo slippers are the perfect gift for your Japanophile friend.

$14.90
Shiba Inu Plush Dog Pillow
$12.99
Kracie Popin DIY Japanese Candy Kit

This DIY Japanese candy-making kit is perfect for the tween or teen on your gift list.

$9.99
I’d Rather Be In Japan Mug

These days, wouldn’t we all rather be in Japan? This mug makes a great gift for your favorite globe-trotting friend.

$14.99

Japanese Gifts for Her

These are by no means, exclusively for women, but since some of you may be searching, we’ve compiled a list of Japanese-themed gifts perfect for your female partner, friend, or family member (or, honestly, just anyone).

RE:ERTH Multi-Targeted Elixir

When it comes to Japanese beauty products, niche, luxury brands are hugely popular. This multi-purpose elixir serum from RE:ERTH is ideal for achieving “mochi skin,” a Japanese term that means supple and dewy. Give this fancy serum to your favorite beauty -obsessed friend.

$85
Gudetama Women’s Socks, 5 Set
$10.99
“Ikebana Unbound: A Modern Approach to the Ancient Japanese Art of Flower Arranging”
$13.94
Tatcha Blotting Papers
$12
Bath and Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Candle

Cherry blossom (aka “sakura”) season is one of the most beautiful experiences on earth each spring. While you may not be able to travel to Japan when the cherry blossoms are in bloom (April-May), this candle will transport you.

$24.50

Check out more of our gift guides as you do your holiday shopping this year!

SHOP THE STORY

Kanesho Pottery Snoopy Plate Set
$44.99
Shun Classic Chef’s Knife

Japan is known for its quality chefs’ knives, and if you’re looking for a higher-end gift to give to a foodie, then this 8-inch blade handcrafted in Japan is the perfect present.

$159.94
Keki Modern Cakes Bouncy Japanese Cheesecake

Goldbelly is a website where you can buy famous regional foods and have them shipped to your door. If you’ve ever been to Japan, you know that their baked goods are out of this world. The lines round the corner at Keki’s Chinatown, New York bakery with people waiting for this jiggly cheesecake influenced by traditional Japanese desserts. It’s hard to describe its deliciousness in words—you just have to taste it for yourself.

$65
Hello Kitty Water Dispenser

Hello Kitty is arguably the most famous character to come out of Japan, and she’s beloved by children and adults alike. You can find a lot of Sanrio (the Japanese company products that created Hello Kitty) products that aren’t necessarily toys targeted at kids, like this Hello Kitty water cooler.

$29.50
Tuttle Publishing Japanese Gift Wrapping...
$10.91
Japanese Kewpie Mayonnaise

If you’ve ever been to Japan, you know the glory that is Kewpie mayonnaise. If you haven’t been, trust me—it’s your new favorite condiment.

$21.94
Cup Noodles Baby Onesie

Ever been to college? Then you appreciate ramen. Cup Noodles originated in Japan, and there’s actually an entire museum devoted to the snack in Osaka.

$30
Suntory Toki Japanese Whiskey

If you’ve ever seen the movie “Lost In Translation,” you’ve heard of Suntory Japanese whiskey. It’s an iconic brand, but you don’t have to fly to Japan to buy it; just order it online.

$39.99
RE:ERTH Multi-Targeted Elixir

When it comes to Japanese beauty products, niche, luxury brands are hugely popular. This multi-purpose elixir serum from RE:ERTH is ideal for achieving “mochi skin,” a Japanese term that means supple and dewy. Give this fancy serum to your favorite beauty -obsessed friend.

$85
Tiger Corporation Rice Cooker

Apartments in Japan are typically small, and so you need to reduce the amount of bulky appliances you have to just the essentials. That said, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any Japanese home that doesn’t have a rice make; it’s the number one kitchen staple.

$155
Sake Flavored Kit Kats

Japan is known for its unique flavored Kit Kats, and this pack of sake Kit Kat bars is the perfect gift for your sake-loving friend with a sweet tooth.

$19
Aesthetic Milk Cute T-Shirt

Kawaii culture is a phenomenon in Japan, and the term “kawaii” essentially translates to “cute.” So this T-shirt from the brand “Aesthetic Milk Cute Gift T-Shirts” is quintessentially Japanese.

$19.69

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