Shopping

Gift Wrapping

Japanese culture has been described as a wrapping culture. Women are beautifully wrapped in a kimono and then tied with an obi sash, sushi is rolled and wrapped in seaweed, special gifts such as lunchboxes and hand luggage may be wrapped and tied in a special wrapping cloth called a furoshiki. Most department stores and shops will gift wrap presents as a free service. At the time of purchase simply tell the sales assistant that the item is to be a present. The best gifts and souvenirs are obviously those items that are uniquely Japanese.

Ceramics

Many regions in Japan specialise in ceramics and pottery. There is a large variety in style, size and price. Large craft shops and department stores can also arrange to have your purchases packaged and shipped home. Tea ceremony was introduced to Japan in the 16th century. As demand for cups and utensils increased distinctive styles in pottery developed in various regions throughout Japan. Well known pottery regions include Arita on the island of  Kyushu, which produces Imari porcelain.  This features red enamel decorated porcelain with distinct patterns of flowers and birds. Also on the island of Kyushu is Satsuma ceramic ware. This is a cream coloured variety of pottery  which is overglazed with enamels and gilding. Mashiko, north of Tokyo in Tochigi Prefecture, which features simple designed pottery with dark glazes and Kasama in Ibaraki Prefecture, which features a unique glaze made from ash and ground rocks.

Dolls

Dolls hold a special appeal in Japan. Many types are available, ranging from small, inexpensive paper dolls to those which have been handmade by famous doll makers and have become collector items. Kokeshi dolls are long, cylindrical, wooden dolls with no arms or legs. They originated in Northern Japan and are now made in distinctive painted forms in various parts of the country. Each shape being the specialty of the area. Some are made in one piece, whilst others have a ball-shaped detachable head. Hakata dolls are made in the southern island of Kyushu, in Hakata City. These are clay dolls depicting traditional Japanese figures, such as geisha or samurai.

Paper Craft

There are many souvenir and folk craft shops in Japan selling traditional paper crafts such as origami paper and handmade paper decorations, mobiles, calligraphy items and paper fans. Origami is the traditional Japanese art of folding paper into various shapes - birds, animals, flowers and many other things - without using scissors or paste. Square, coloured pieces of paper are used and these can be bought in a multitude of colours, thickness and price. Traditional handmade Japanese paper is called washi and is often embedded with petals, leaves or coloured flecks for texture. A folding fan is called a sensu. It is made of paper on a bamboo frame with a picture or artistic calligraphy on it. A flat paper fan is called an uchiwa and is used in summer and during festivals. Fans make a perfect souvenir gift as they are used not only for fanning oneself in summer, but also are given as a symbol of friendship, respect or future happiness. The method of writing with a Japanese brush and ink is called shodo. It is regarded as an art form as well as a means of writing. Special calligraphy paper, inkstone, brushes and ink can be purchased separately or as a boxed calligraphy set.