22Feb

Have You Found the Perfect Mothers Day Gift Yet?

Filed in Japanese Gift Ideas | Japanese Gift Offers | Japanese Gifts | Mothers Day Gifts Leave a comment

Although Mothers Day is traditionally celebrated on the second Sunday in May in Japan, it is on Sunday the 18th of March here in England – which is just around the corner. Fortunately The Japanese Shop has put together a superb collection of unique gifts, just for the occasion.

Visit the Mothers Day Gifts section of our website now and browse through our wonderful range of traditional Japanese gifts.

All our items are available for fast FREE delivery in the UK when you spend more than £50. We can also deliver your gift, complete with beautiful FREE Japanese Gift Wrapping straight to your mother’s door.

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09Feb

Kokeshi Dolls – The Perfect Japanese Gift for Valentine’s Day

Filed in Japanese Gift | Japanese Gift Ideas | Japanese Gift Offers | Japanese Gift Wrapping | Japanese Gifts | Kokeshi Dolls | Valentine's Day Gifts Leave a comment

Kokeshi Doll

Many are fascinated by the Japanese way of life, and understandably so with their intriguing culture, cuisine and products. One of their most popular traditional items is Kokeshi Dolls which also happens to make wonderful little Japanese gift for Valentine’s Day.

Although Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Japan, it is done so a little differently. This is because years ago, when the first adverts began appearing in Japan to advertise Valentine’s Day to non-Japanese people, it grabbed the attention of local businesses and advertisers who also wanted to be a part of the more Westernised holiday.

Unfortunately, when the time came to launch Valentine’s Day to the Japanese people, the message got “lost in translation” and described it as a day for women only to express their love to men by giving them chocolate.

There are three official different types of chocolate given on Valentine’s Day by women; Giri-Chocolate or “obligatory chocolate” which is given as a kind gesture, Honmei-Chocolate or “favourite chocolate” which is given for romantic reasons and Tomo-Chocolate or “friend chocolates” which is given to female friends.

And because men therefore don’t generally give gifts on Valentine’s Day, they have their own day a month later called “White Day” when they are expected to return the favour.

Kokeshi Dolls

Put a Japanese spin on your Valentine’s Day this year with a wide range of handmade Kokeshi Dolls as well as a wide range of other gift ideas from The Japanese Shop. Our Kokeshi are made mostly from cherry or mizuki trees using traditional methods, with each doll individually named by the craftsman who made it, giving it its own unique personality.

We have just updated our website with a brand new collection of Kokeshi. Buy any 2 Kokeshi Dolls and receive a FREE Kokeshi Key Ring and a FREE Japanese Greetings Card.

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27Jan

Unusual Valentine’s Day Gifts : Japanese Gifts Ideas for Valentines

Filed in Japanese Gift | Japanese Gift Ideas | Japanese Gift Offers | Japanese Gift Wrapping | Japanese Gifts | Suppliers Japanese Gifts Leave a comment

Although Christmas has come and gone, the next one will be here before you know it, so what better time to start looking for that next special gift for that special someone than right now! Japanese gifts are becoming more and more popular and are naturally eye-catching and rich in oriental culture.

Red Silk KimonoAs a whole, Japan has gained the interest of many individuals around the world for its many unique attributes. Kimonos, calligraphy and decorated fans are just some of the things that have made the list of popular Japanese gift ideas all around the world.

One of the most well-liked products to give would have to be incense. This Japanese gift is rich in history and goes back hundreds of years to when it was first introduced into the country by China. Some of the popular ingredients used in traditional Japanese incense include sandalwood, clove, rhubarb, cinnamon and argarwood, to name only a few.

Another intriguing Japanese gift to give is a Maneki Neko, which can be translated to the Japanese Lucky Cat. This ornament is believed to bring its owner good luck, with each different colour cat symbolising something unique. Here is a brief explanation of which each variation of the Lucky Cat is said to symbolise;

  • White Japanese Lucky Cat –Happiness
  • Black Japanese Lucky Cat – Good health
  • Gold Japanese Lucky Cat – Wealth
  • Japanese Lucky Cat raising its left hand – Bring in business
  • Japanese Lucky Cat raising its right hand – Prosperity

Lucky CatSo if you’re thinking of giving someone a Japanese gift, the Maneki Neko is the perfect choice as you can match the cat to suit the personality of your loved one.

Buddha and Daruma dolls also carry a similar impression as the Lucky Cat in Japanese tradition. Many believe that they represent good luck and perseverance. In addition, the dolls are all fun to look at and therefore make them the ideal gift for all ages.

One of the most renowned suppliers of Japanese gifts in the UK is The Japanese Shop. Browse through their Japanese gift offers and range of other high quality products online today. Japanese gift wrapping is offered free of charge with all online orders to make the gift you choose that extra bit extra special.

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