Another question bout japan.... plz help?

Question

going to japan soon and staying with a family like an exchange student program. i wanted to take some gifts ova to say thanks cause they're all about gift giving. i was thinking of taking vegemite, digaridoo's, boomarangs and other aussie things but i don't know if i can take them in to japan with quarintine and stuff. so if anyone knows about these kid of things..... plz help! thanks xo

Answer 1

definately take a gift, as it is customary in japan to give a souvenir (おみやげ） from where you come from.

vegemite isnt popular with japanese, but some like it... ( i remember my japanese teacher said he hates it because he thought it was chocolate, and he put way too much on!) Tim tams are popular, providing your host family likes chocolate, and while you can buy them in japan, you cant buy the different flavoured ones, so i would advise taking the flavoured ones.

also i would say take things made in australia, even though they are usually more expensive. Plush toys are popular for kids, like kangaroos and koalas. my host sister loved the made in australia lip gloss i brought. For the adults maybe take a bottle of wine from one of our famous wine growing regions, if not sure which wine, ask someone at the bottle shop which goes best with their traditional food (fish and rice)

otherwise boomerangs.... tea towels... its summer there at the moment so maybe australia flag-print thongs? (im talking about the footwear, just to clarify)  I would just see what I can find in a souvenir shop...

One thing I really wanted to bring for my host sister was a pair of flats (like ballet-style shoes) that had a cute koala print on them... but unfortunately they were $80 :/

Answer 2

Coming into Japan with the things you mentioned should not be a problem...There quarentee list is standard to any country...Live animals, Drugs, weapons (Guns and Knives),...Remember...In Japan...It's not about the gift...But the thought..

Answer 3

Never choose vegemite that's beyond Japanese taste.

Didgeridoo as music instrument or boomerangs is just too childish.

Kangaroo's s*****m goods like coin bags or key holders would be alright.

Kangaroo meat jerky, some fruits jam are also favorable for Japanese.

How about ball of Aussie foot ball so that you can play using it on pastime with the family.

Answer 4

They love sheepskin - you may need to just check that wooden ware is OK to take in, but I would think the tourist things would be fine.

As long as you declare  them I wouldn't think there would be a problem.

Vegemite is a good thing for them to try, even if they don't like it. Chocolate, Anzac biscuits and tradtional sweets etc are alway good. And small things like nice key rings, pencils, little bags, children would love koalas etc

Even things like teatowels, or a nice book.

Pins are good to give away in the school, or biscuits etc.

I am from New Zealand and have sent or taken heaps of stuff over there .

Enjoy your exchange  - it is a great country.So much to see and do.

Answer 5

Whatever you bring, make sure it is wrapped beautifully and don't be surprised if they don't open the gift in front of you.

Tim Tams are a huge hit in Japan. Although they can be bought in Japan in certain stores, your host family probably isn't aware of it.

Don't get tacky things that can be bought in souvenir shops...you know things like clip-on koalas that are made in China. They aren't popular here.

Go with chocolates, jam, tea, eucalyptus oil, macademia nuts, bush honey, eucalyptus bath crystals (or any Australian-type bath crystals) etc. Food is a common and much appreciated gift.

Answer 6

I don't think you need to bring that much, and if that's too expensive or too big that's not good either, I would suggest you stick to food, Vegemite is certainly a good idea but watch out they will make you taste nato in retaliation ;-)  some chocolate, beef jerkies, things like that.

You can bring a bottle of alcohol for the old guy, Australian whisky, he will appreciate for sure.