Souvenirs in Japan

In Japan, souvenirs are called omiyage. These are customary gifts typically given by someone upon returning from a trip to be given to family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, business associates, teachers, classmates and any other person socially related to the returning vacationer. By age-old Japanese conventions, it is shameful to arrive or return empty-handed and such acts as going on a vacation away from one's society could be perceived as selfish in a manner, anti-social at the very least. The omiyage gift placates all concerned and smooths intricate social ties, absolving the traveler of such shame. Omiyage shows the traveler was thinking of her family and community members while away.

Because of the sheer number of omiyage often required following a vacation, travelers need to buy souvenirs in bulk (it is not unusual to bring one empty suitcase solely for the omiyage). Thoughtfulness is always an issue. It cannot look too cheap, and it is preferred it be something universally practical like towels, dinnerware, tasteful decorative items, broadly-popular foods and the like. It is not even necessary the choice of omiyage be particularly relevant to the place visited. Key chains and unfamiliar foods are not well received.

Places that cater to Japanese travelers will offer selections of suitable omiyage arranged by price, size and category. Several items of all-purpose omiyage are often kept by wise housewives to give on a moment's notice to avoid embarrassments. Due to the expense and effort involved in collecting and distributing omiyage, Japanese are often very close-lipped about their travel plans, hoping to minimize their omiyage responsibilities.

Souvenir

A souvenir (from French, for memory) is an object that is treasured for the memories associated with it. This is analogous to the psychological exploitation of classical conditioning. For example, if a traveller buys a souvenir on a memorable vacation, he or she will most likely associate the souvenir with the vacation. Every time he or she looks at the souvenir, it reminds him or her of the vacation.

The term is used for items brought home from places visited. Such items are sometimes marked or engraved to indicate that their value is sentimental rather than practical (e.g., "A Souvenir from Clacton-on-Sea").

Travelers often buy souvenirs as gifts for those who did not make the trip. This is common in many cultures. In Cameroon, for example, the idea is that someone who can afford to travel can also afford to bring something back (cadeau) for those who cannot. French bread is a particularly popular cadeau.

In Japan, souvenirs are known as omiyage and tend to be candies or other edibles to be shared with co-workers or meibutsu (famous products associated with a particular region). Omiyage sales are big business at Japanese tourist sites. Many train stations carry such gifts so that travelers can buy last-minute omiyage before returning home.

Souvenirs can include household items such as mugs and bowls, ashtrays, egg timers, spoons and notepads, or clothing such as T-shirts or hats.

Memorabilia

Similar to a souvenir, memorabilia (from Latin, for memorable) is an object that is treasured for its memories; however, unlike souvenirs, memorabilia are valued for a connection to a historical event, culture or entertainment. Such items include cigarette cards, air sickness bags, publicity photographs, posters, entertainment-related merchandise, movie memorabilia, and other, often-licensed, items.