Gift Guide for Japan Lovers 2019
Unique gift ideas from independent makers from around the world
With Christmas fast approaching, it’s time to think about finding the perfect gift for the Japan lover in your life (or maybe what to gift to yourself)!
Instead of sharing the usual offerings from big brands, this year I’ve decided to share a selection of unique gift ideas from fellow independent artists, illustrators, and designers around the world who are working hard to make a living doing what they love (and some of my products, too). We could all use your help and support, especially at this time of year when shoppers are quick to rush to the high street to make their purchases.
Happy shopping!
Gifts for Animal Lovers
Everyone loves animals, and Japan has no shortage of some of the most adorable creatures. Here are my picks for fluff-fans:
Erica Ward Shibuya Cat Mini Print
It’s hard to pick just one of talented illustrator Erica Ward’s artworks, but this Shibuya Cat mini print is hard to resist. Check out her other stuff, too—she does an amazing job at combining both modern and traditional culture in unique ways.
White Rabbit Ceramic Necklace by Jade Gallup Studio
London-based ceramic artist Jade Gallup has created this gorgeous, tiny white rabbit necklace—a long celebrated symbol appearing in Japanese mythology since ancient times. Standing for cleverness and self-devotion, it’s no wonder that it’s considered a good-luck charm.
Japanese Animals Print Pack
If you can’t choose a single favourite creature, check out my own Japanese Animals print pack. Each includes a 6 x 6 inch print of a tanuki, koi fish, snow monkey, fugu pufferfish, and Japanese shika deer, hand-wrapped in a matching gift wrapped and sealed with a sticker label. Printed on acid-free paper.
Gifts for Traditional Culture Fans
For fans of more traditional Japanese culture, check out the following ideas:
New Year Nagoya Obi by ThreeMagpies Studio
ThreeMagpies Studio has been creating original and custom kimono and obi for many years now, and have a huge selection of beautiful designs to choose from. I adore this brand new nagoya obi to celebrate the Year of the Rat in 2020, but they do custom work too—get in touch if you’ve got an idea you want brought to life.
Japanese Tales published by Folio Society
Although they might not be considered “small makers” as such, niche-publisher Folio Society’s goal is to elevate all their books into beautiful works of art that other large-scale publishers simply cannot afford to do, and are well-worth a mention in this guide. With gorgeous illustration by Yuko Shimizu and translated text by Royall Tyler, this book of Japanese Tales is a treasure that belongs in any Japan-lover’s library.
Japanese Women Riso Prints by Geri Draws Japan
If you’re looking for a more niche gift, check out my own A4 riso prints of inspirational and influential Japanese women. Important figures from all areas of society including athletes, scientists, teachers, animators, fashion designers and more are featured for how they fought against gender roles in Japanese society and helped change the world. Each print is signed and numbered and printed in Japan on Takeo Araveal paper.
Gifts for Ramen Lovers
Who doesn’t love ramen? Here are some gift ideas for the noodle enthusiasts:
Ramen Necklace by Kate Rowland
Kate Rowland’s work has become extremely popular lately due to BTS member Taehyung repping her gorgeous paint palette pin brooch earlier this year, but that’s not all she makes. Check out this unique, hand-made ramen necklace complete with hand-painted details.
Ramen Lovers Club Patch by Yeaaah! Studio
It’s impossible to pick just one of Yeaaah! Studio’s amazing goods, but you can’t go wrong with this super cool ramen patch. Remember, the first rule of Ramen Lovers Club is to… definitely talk about Ramen Lovers Club.
Ramen Art Pin by Geri Draws Japan
Here’s my own take on ramen in enamel pin form—a simple bowl of tasty hot noods you can easily pop onto a jacket or bag.
Gifts for Japanese Language Learners
If you’re interested in learning Japanese or simply just love the language and beautiful writing system, I’ve got three very different but super useful gift ideas.
Hai! Hiragana Flashcards
First up are hiragana flashcards by Hai! Hiragana—perfect for memorising and drilling those characters into your head by using fun pictoral illustrations.
Hiragana Print by Oh Bones
If you prefer a print to hang near your study area, check out this hiragana print by Oh Bones—A3 sized with a subdued palette to fit into any decor.
Hiragana and Katakana Riso Prints by Geri Draws Japan
For a more bold design, check out my own A3 riso hirakana and katakana prints—each character also comes with a sample word to help you learn even more. Printed on cream-coloured Colorplan paper from the British paper maker GF Smith.
Daruma Art Pin by Geri Draws Japan
Taking a test? For a bonus good-luck charm, check out my Daruma pin which would make a lovely stocking stuffer. Fill in the eye with a sharpie pen when you set your goal, and fill in the other when you reach it!
Gifts for Japan Travellers
For those planning to take a trip to Japan in 2020, take a look at my recommendations to help you plan your perfect itinerary.
Tokyo City Map by Martin Le Lapin
This adorable Tokyo city map by illustrator Marin Le Lapin is as cute as it is functional. Pick up a copy to bring along on your trip—or consider framing one for some fun and unique artwork.
Airbnb Experiences
For the person who’s got everything, why not give an experience instead? Photographer Jaime Forson will not only photograph you around the coolest spots in Tokyo, but she’ll give you inside information and show you hidden areas that most tourists miss out on. You’ll get a beautifully-shot set of photos and feel like an insider, too. For food fans, check out Yuki's Washoku Cooking Lab in Tokyo, a chemistry major who now calls herself a ‘miso sommelier.’ First, she’ll take you to a local supermarket to shop for local ingredients before returning to her house, where she’ll take you on a tour through different types of miso from around the country. She'll help you choose one you like and teach you how to cook a variety of dishes with it. Both experiences are especially great for couples!
Lagom Magazine Issue 10
The tenth and final issue of lifestyle magazine Lagom features an extensive Tokyo coffee guide (written by me!) and photographed by my talented friend, Jaime Hojje Lee. Be sure to pick up a copy before it’s sold out forever—it’s the perfect companion to feed your coffee addiction in one of the most exciting coffee cities in the world.
Wrapping Up
I hope you like some of my choices from independent makers this holiday season. What are your favourite Japan-related gifts? Drop me a comment here or on Instagram!
