Gift inspirations
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Japanese gift culture
The Japanese like to give gifts. Similar to us in Europe, there is a distinct gift culture. However, there are also a few deeply rooted peculiarities that we are not familiar with. Gift-giving in Japan is much more closely integrated into interpersonal relationships.
One of these peculiarities is that people in Japan are much more aware that a gift brings with it the "obligation" for the recipient to give a gift in return. One could deduce from this that gifts should not be too valuable. This can also be read in this way, but surprisingly, the Japanese tend to give much larger gifts than we do in Germany.
The behavior of the recipient is strikingly different from our culture. Here in Europe, it is almost considered impolite not to open a gift straight away. In contrast to Japan. The recipient does not want to be seen as greedy. He or she is rather cautiously pleased, accepts the gift and puts it aside - almost carelessly - to be opened later. This also avoids a "loss of face" if the gift is not to their liking.
Another special feature concerns the packaging of the gift. In the eyes of the Japanese, the packaging is almost as important as the gift itself. Traditionally, but even today, a lot of effort is made in Japan to wrap gifts beautifully and sustainably. Unusual paper and beautiful boxes are appropriate. If you want to wrap sustainably, choose a furoshiki, as these cloths can be reused. They are like an additional gift and extremely practical. The tradition of wrapping gifts in furoshiki has a long history and is still practiced intensively today.
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What makes special gifts special?
The best gifts come directly "from the heart". They bring joy and always contain a portion of happiness for the person receiving the gift. Giving gifts has a lot to do with emotion. This is probably why we are so enthusiastic about products that have been made by people who do their work with enthusiasm. Perhaps they already bring a strong feeling that you can then pass on as a gift. The wooden bowls from the Kihachi manufactory are a good example. Or the beautiful lacquerware and creative kokeshi. Unique pieces from the hands of enthusiastic artisans.
Products from manufactories - something for everyone
When looking through our products for the gift categories, we have put a lot of effort into putting together inspiring gifts for different needs and offering them in attractive gift packaging. For her and for him, for cooking enthusiasts and tea lovers. Or simply for friends of sustainable products. And we are almost certain that anyone who appreciates high quality and craftsmanship will also find what they are looking for here.
Products for cooking enthusiasts
Cast iron frying pans
The excellent cooking results with this frying pan will delight both the cook and the connoisseur. OIGEN promises a lifetime of cooking pleasure with cast iron. The excellent heat conductivity of Japanese cast iron offers outstanding frying properties and the spout simplifies handling. OIGEN is one of the oldest manufacturers in Japan, producing cast iron cookware of the highest quality using the traditional Nambu Tekki method. Natural raw materials, high utility, high sustainability and a modern design are the foundations of the traditional manufactory. This pan can be used not only on electric, induction and gas hobs, but also in the oven or on the grill and open fire.
Japanese chef's knives for all applications
This all-purpose knife is the perfect all-rounder for all cooking enthusiasts. Versatile in use, it is one of the most important tools in the kitchen. Whether fish, meat or vegetables - this Santoku impresses with a precise cut. Anyone holding this damask knife will immediately recognize the balanced, beautiful forging work of master Toshiki Nanbu. This charm can only be found in genuine craftsmanship. The Damascus blade has a unique pattern, called the ink flow pattern, which is created by 11 layers of carbon steel. Each knife is unique and made in Japan.
Products for lovers of Japanese cuisine
Sushi sets, chopsticks and more...
This beautiful sushi set will make the hearts of sushi connoisseurs beat faster. With its slightly rustic appearance, the glazed stoneware conveys the charm of a genuine closeness to nature and is in keeping with Japanese aesthetics. The manufacturer Miyazaki, a well-known ceramic brand in Japan, enjoys a very good reputation due to its traditional and handcrafted production methods. The chopsticks made of cherry wood by Gato Mikio round off this set perfectly. Anyone who eats sushi from this tableware will experience a piece of Japan.
Sake-Sets fromJapan
With this extraordinary sake set, the surprise is sure to be a success! Arita porcelain is world-famous for its robustness and incomparable quality. The gently textured, golden glaze makes the sake carafe and cup a bright spot on any table. The high-quality ceramic ensures longevity, which means that this timeless piece of jewelry will give its owner great pleasure for a long time to come.
Bakuhatsu bowl for mindful eating
Lovers of Japanese cuisine dine from smaller and larger bowls and dishes. With its harmonious, modern style, this Buddha Bowl made of glazed porcelain invites you to eat mindfully. Buddha Bowl recipes, rice, noodles and salad can be served appetizingly in this bowl. Kihara, the traditional manufacturer in the stronghold of Akira, has been producing high-quality tableware for generations. Sustainable, traditional manufacturing processes in particular are a source of enthusiasm for anyone who appreciates this craft.
Traditional Japanese enjoyment with chopsticks
Eating with chopsticks has a very long tradition in Japan. Those who appreciate Asian cuisine like to use chopsticks instead of classic cutlery. These fine chopsticks made of rosewood and ebony are a useful gift in deluxe quality. Both have their own unique character. The Marunao manufactory works with great attention to form, material and detail. Sustainability and genuine craftsmanship are a top priority. The transition between art and craftsmanship is clearly noticeable. The particularly easy handling of the chopsticks makes enjoying Japanese cuisine even more enjoyable.
Gifts for decoration lovers
A cool breeze with hand fans for men and women
If you want to give your loved one a wonderfully cool refreshment, a high-quality hand fan is always the right choice. It takes up to 80 steps to produce a fine, foldable fan. From plain and simple to flowery and playful, Maisendo has the perfect fan for men and women. Whether design or material, all work steps in the Maisendo manufactory are subject to the greatest care. Anyone who is enthusiastic about this craft and this art will enjoy the fresh breeze even more consciously.
Decorative highlights: Vases, bowls, kokeshi and more...
Kokeshi are among the most famous figures in Japan. The beautiful wooden figures have a long tradition as toys or decorations with a tranquil aura. Nowadays, they are given as gifts with good wishes as lucky charms or talismans for fertility or a rich harvest. Each Kokeshi artwork is a handmade unique piece and was created with much love in the Usaburo manufactory. The styles and meanings of kokeshi are varied, the wooden figure Doshin means "beautiful spirit" and makes a wonderful gift for a loved one.
Products for tea lovers
Teapots by the artist Gyokko
The tea ceremony is a firmly anchored ritual in Japanese culture. The calm that sets in during a ceremony is like meditation. If you can get involved, you will experience a special moment with special guests, which allows the worries of everyday life to fade away. The tea served warm tastes even better in a high-quality kyusu. Those who attach great importance to sustainable production will find what they are looking for with artist Yoshitaka Umehara. The Tokoname Tobikanna Kuro teapot was made with his own hands and has won several awards. A gift for anyone who celebrates tea drinking and appreciates Japanese craftsmanship.
Drinking tea from high-quality tea bowls and cups
A beautiful piece of Japanese culture for tea lovers. The "Plum" tea bowl is made and painted by hand in Kyoto. Artfully overlapping glazes and motifs make the eyes of tea lovers light up. Unique pieces such as this tea bowl play an important role in the tea ceremony and, with good care, will delight their owners for a lifetime.
Schöne Teedosen zur richtigen Aufbewahrung von Tee
Die Teedose Kizutsu ist mit ihren Kirschblüten Intarsien nicht nur schön anzuschauen, sie schützt auch losen Tee vor Feuchtigkeit und erhält dessen Aroma über lange Zeit. Denshiro arbeitet seit seiner Gründung mit natürlichem Material, der Kirschbaumrinde. Das Material und die Kunstfertigkeit sucht in Europa seinesgleichen - die Beliebtheit dieser nützlichen Teedosen steigt stetig. Wer mit diesem Schmuckstück beschenkt wird, erlebt eine große Vorfreude auf die nächste Teezeremonie.
For those who like to experiment: green tea sets from certified organic tea farms
This SUPER-PREMIUM test set offers a diverse selection of green tea varieties. Three different, first-class green tea varieties are waiting to surprise their connoisseurs with their taste. Organic-certified tea farms on the island of Kyushu in Kagoshima offer optimal conditions for the cultivation of high-quality green tea. The high-quality tea leaves are processed in micro-batches and are not mass-produced. If you want to take your loved ones on a short, exciting journey into the world of umami, this set for discerning tea drinkers is the perfect choice.
Furoshiki - the ideal packaging for gifts
In Japan, the recipient of a gift is often given a double gift. The Japanese like to wrap their gifts in square cloths (furoshiki) made of cotton, viscose or silk. These cloths come in many different patterns and colors and can be reused in many different ways. There is hardly a gift under the Christmas tree that could not be wrapped in a furoshiki. To understand the happiness of the recipient, you should know what the furoshiki can be used for. For example, as a handbag or shopping bag, for decorating the house, as a decorative accessory or as gift wrapping.
Using Furoshiki not only shows taste and style, it also demonstrates environmental awareness. Furoshiki instead of disposable packaging. Folded up compactly, it can be taken anywhere. A bag is quickly knotted. Statistically, we currently consume 65 disposable bags per year per German citizen, which on average end up in the bin after around 25 minutes. A Japanese furoshiki lasts for years.
Furoshiki-Trend in Germany
The furoshiki trend has now arrived in Europe and Germany. The scarves are colorful and creative, the knotting is not really difficult, many instructions and tricks can be found on the Internet. There are even YouTube videos on how to quickly learn how to turn a furoshiki into a handbag.
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Items 1 - 12 of 47