This post is for anyone coming to Japan from Canada, and is trying to brainstorm souvenirs to bring over. This is probably be a tad late, considering that new JET’s are already coming over…but there are still 2 more groups that might be showing up in late Aug- early Sept. In Japanese culture, every time you go on a trip (out of town) and people know it they expect omiyage (souvenirs). Doesn’t have to be big, it can be a small treat if anything…but it gets pricey. So after a while it’s good to develop the skill of secrecy and limitation when going abroad.
Courtesy of Heritage Canada. Placed this outside of my class for all kids to see
…also because I ran out of room in my class.
Canadian Souvenir Ideas
Thinking of Canada we think, smoked salmon, maple syrup, ice wine…polar bears and Eskimos. Funny enough, smoked salmon and Canadian maple syrup can be found here in most Japanese grocery stores. So if you didn’t bring enough and need more, you could always head to the grocery store here and pick something up.
Summer in Japan is hot and humid, so anything chocolate will melt. Best to go with solids like cookies. The usual, and most common are maple syrup cream cookies, or now in butter shortbread style with maple crunch.
I’m not sure how long these were around, I just stumbled upon them in stores: Ice Wine flavored cookies! Cheaper than actually buying bottles of ice wine. Not sure how they taste, but they’re perfect as I know many of my teachers enjoy drinking.
Other typical Canadian omiyage are maple syrup candies. There are small, individually packed candies ranging from the size of cough drops, to lollipops. My only note on this is that yes, they do melt but slowly, not as fast as chocolate. So long as you pass it out asap, it will be okay.
Postcards are also another good omiyage idea, and they don’t take up much room in the suitcase. It’s always visually pleasant to see something different in the world. They also make great greeting cards. I used a bunch for souvenirs, and also as good-bye greeting cards. Give it an extra touch by attaching a pin to it, or complimenting it with a small treat.
Canadian Souvenir for the classroom…
Before I came to Japan last year I explored every option I could for souvenirs, or materials I could use for teaching. Take everything possible, and don’t forget to pass out your thank you’s to those that helped (I.e. follow up thank you email).MP’s and Mayors: Sometimes have pins they could offer. Mayors sometimes could offer city pins and MP’s for Canada pins. I must say, after getting a collection when I first came Burnaby has the best design! And my students just love it! Go Burnaby!! My MP’s office also passed me teaching material on the Canadian parliament and included an official Canadian flag. This was all before the economy got hit. Now everyone is tight on budget and are giving out in limited numbers, but 30 is still better than nothing 🙂 .
Heritage Canada: They’re actually only suppose to be giving out promo items for promoting within Canada. I did try to ask if they had anything I could use for my classroom, I was willing to use anything. I got a few beautiful posters on Canadian flags, old contest promo posters, and information books. I plan to use it all!
Heritage Canada Poster Contest.
BC Roll in Japan 