Dear all,

I would like to ask advice about giving a gift on my first visit to Japan. I do research at the local uni in YVR and asked to meet one of their top cancer surgeons who graciously gave me an invite. My question is what sort of gift would be appropriate?

Initially, I thought (coming from YVR) to give:

1. bottle of local ice wine + box of smoked salmon

This would be about 60CAD but Mrs. Wooe wasn't sure if smoked salmon would be appreciated given all the good salmon sashimi around.

2. A single nice bottle of liquor worth about 80CAD

then reading the forums here, what about:

3. Bottle of local ice wine and a sweater/pullover with my uni's name on it?

I would be most happy with any advice!

Thanks in advance
Wooe

I'd say number one sounds ideal.

Smoked salmon is nothing like salmon sashimi and is usually featured in gift catalogues aimed at Japanese people wanting to bring back omiyage gifts from their trip abroad (for instance those returning on Scandinavian Airline flights can order it on the plane for home delivery in Japan). I'm sure it would be appreciated and welcomed. Same with the ice wine (but you seem to realise that already!)

Everyone in metropolitan areas seems to have problems with where to put things. A bulky jumper which might not get worn and which could soak up damp in the summer and so demand special storage could wind up becoming an imposition. Saying that, quality cashmere is usually welcomed. I think the point is that anything bulky (or with potential to go mouldy) has to be worth the effort of keeping/caring for it. I'd personally stick to small gifts and comestibles.


(Not to put you off, but isn't smoking fish supposed to imbue it with mildly carcinogenic properties? I'm sure the doctor won't mind or care, but depending on his research I can't help but wonder if this could be a seen as a lightly ironic gift.)

It sounds corny, but Japanese people love maple syrup. Be sure to include a small jug of the good stuff or a box of maple cookies.

A t-shirt might be more practical than a sweatshirt. Also if you are at UBC then either Thunderbirds baseball or golf goods could go down well if the doctor is a sports fan.

And I know things have changed since the bubble, but whisky is still currency to a degree especially with male professionals. Crown Royal is popular in Japan.

Yeah I would go with choice 1.

Make sure that the smoked salmon is COLD smoked. Japanese do not equate smoked salmon to the hot smoked salmon.

Ice wine is always a winner. As a previous poster mentioned, maple syrup is a good bet as well.

Japanese for a while came to Canada to purchase cowichan sweaters but may not be suitable for a professor.

The easiest way is to pick some SS up at the duty free(sic) after security. The folks working there know the wrapping with gel packs drill..........

I would go with #1.
Those were exactly what I took last time I went over there. Both were well received.

If the prof has young kids, glico pocky only sold in Canada may be a good idea.

To everyone,

Thanks bunches!

We can't wait to go on our first trip to Tokyo now! I just hope our 2 year old doesn't mind... I guess we'll have to try out Sanrioland as well.

Cheers,

Wooe