10 Great Gifts from Japan
This is a collection of 10 original gifts from Japan that represent the rich cultural heritage of this wonderful country—and tend to go down well with overseas visitors, too.
By NIHON ICHIBANDaruma Doll
http://anything-from-japan.com/small-colorful-daruma-dolls?___store=ni_japanese&nosto=nosto-page-category2
The Daruma is a doll sold with white eyes. When a goal is set the left eye is colored in, and the right eye will be filled after the goal has been achieved. It's a great ceremony for teams that want to achieve a common goal. This particular Daruma is actually made of papier-mâché.
Tenugui
http://anything-from-japan.com/beauty-fashion/accessories/furoshiki-tenugui?___store=default&___from_store=ni_japanese
A tenugui is a thin Japanese cotton towel that can be used to wrap a gift, as a headband, to dry things or just for decoration in a frame. Choosing among the thousands of different patterns is part of the fun of selecting your own personal tenugui.
Wagasa : The Authentic Japanese Umbrella
http://nihon-ichiban.com/2012/09/14/wagasa-%E5%92%8C%E5%82%98-the-japanese-authentic-umbrella/
Wagasa traditional Kyoto umbrellas are known for their simplicity, delicate beauty and exceptional mechanical precision. Made of bamboo and lacquered paper, they protect from rain or sun, but are also very popular decorative elements.
Hand Fans
http://anything-from-japan.com/beauty-fashion/accessories/handfans
Hand Fans are an important symbol in Japan, with a long history of usage by warriors, nobles and geisha. Nowadays fans made of paper, silk or fabric and are popular gifts and accessories in the summer.
Warosoku Candles
Warosoku candles have been known in Japan since around 1650. The wax comes from the hazenoki tree, and the wick is made of traditional Japanese paper. They burn at lower temperature than Western candles, and provide a warm and peaceful light.
