日本からの土産を選ぶ
A wonderful landscape, a unique architecture and smiling natives–these are what Japan is known for. However, only pleasant memories are not enough for the tourists. Material memories are also necessary. That is why Japanese offer unique souvenirs that are typical for them. By visiting Japan you can easily be confused in the profusion of markets, which offer thousands of souvenirs, that is why you should quickly decide what to buy. Here is some advice:
1. Maneki-neko: Everywhere in Japan you can see a figurine of a cat holding its hand up. It is Maneki-neko–the talismans of wealth and success. You can find the cat nearly in every shop.
2. Tenugui: Tenugui is one of the most widespread souvenirs. It is a cloth, which has approximately 90 cm length and there are different ornaments on it–geometrical, floral and etc. It can be used as tablecloth or home décor.
3. Fan: In Japan in summer nearly everybody has a fan in his hand–in the street, in the train, in the restaurant. Here during the festivals they can even present you a fan with the purpose of advertisement.
4. Wagasa: The traditional umbrella wagasa is made of bamboo and Japanese paper washi. It not only protects from rain but it is also used during the tea ceremony and in Kabuki theatre.
5. Ukiyo-e Wood-cutting: Ukiyo-e literally means “pictures of the floating world”, which appeared in the 17th century and are widespread until now. The landscapes, scenes of historical places, pictures of famous actors and sumo wrestles are the main genres of Japanese wood-cutting and should be included in every tourist’s collection.
6. Daruma Doll: Daurma embodies the founder of zen-buddhism Bodhidharma, it has a round shape and as a rule is painted red. Daruma is sold with colorless eyes: its owner should make a wish and paint one eye, the other eye should be painted after the dream comes true.
7. Japanese Chopsticks: These are mainly made of wood and are covered with lacquer. They can be of different sizes–for men, women and children. These chopsticks differ from Chinese ones, are short and more rounded. They are sometimes decorated with different ornaments and attract especially the lovers of the Japanese Cuisine.
8. Paper Lantern: These lanterns are made of Japanese wasi paper, which is glued to the bamboo foundation. They are widely used during festivals, in the parks, restaurants, hotels and houses.
9. Sampuru: Sampuru is a model of a ready dish. It is used in Japanese restaurants and has the same appearance as the dish.
10. Models of Masks of Noh Theatre: The masks of Noh theatre are smaller in size than face–approximately 31×13 cm. They are made of wood or clay. Each mask has its name. There are almost 200 types of these masks. As a souvenir it can be acquired in a frame.
11. Kokeshi Doll: Kokeshi is a traditional Japanese doll, the motherland of which is Northern Japan. Kokeshi has a big head; it has no hands and feet. But this is not a toy, it is a real piece of art.
12. Funny Mask: Suchlike masks are sold almost during all festivals. They mainly depict the heroes of Japanese anime or manga and they will be especially loved by its fans.
13. Coins: Such coins are very cheap, but are valuable souvenirs especially for those who collect money from different countries of the world.
14. Bento Box: Bento is a dish consisting of meat, fish, rice, which is packed in a special box. There are plastic boxes, which are not expensive and wooden boxes, which can be wonderful souvenirs, as they are covered with ornaments and wood-cutting.
15. Japanese Knife: These are kitchen knives, which are considered to be the best in the world and each cook would love to have one of these knives at his hand.
16. Kite: In Japan the first kites were used by the clergymen with religious purposes, but nowadays they are very popular. They are especially presented to children during New Year. Kites are mainly illustrated with pictures of heroes and gods.
17. Samurai Sword: It is impossible to make a list of souvenirs and not to include samurai swords. These are of course not real swords but actually souvenirs. They can be of different sizes–from the smallest one up to the real size of a sword.
18. Japanese Porcelain: There are approximately 18 types of porcelain, which makes the choice difficult. Some prefer traditional Japanese pottery, others–more modern.
http://nipponnitsuite.wordpress.com/2013/08/28/giftsfromjapan/から取られた材料
translated from Armenian into English by M.Vardanyan
