Notebooks and memos sold in Japan are one of the most popular souvenirs among foreigners. There are a variety of notebooks and memos available in the same Japan, such as those with original Japanese patterns and soft designs. There may be people who are traveling to Japan from overseas and want to give notebooks to their friends as souvenirs from Japan, or want memos with unique Japanese designs that are rare in their own countries. Therefore, this article introduces notebooks and memos recommended by foreigners as Japanese souvenirs. Please refer to them when you stop by department stores and stationery stores during your trip to Kyoto and Osaka.
THE Japanese patterned “ Ukiyoe notebook / guy, Edobei
The notebook recommended as a Japanese souvenir for foreigners is the “Ukiyoe Notebook/Nuke Edobei” (418 yen including tax).
The “Ukiyoe” design used in this notebook is a true symbol of “Japan” and is very popular overseas. By daring to use the impactful Ukiyoe pattern on a notebook that anyone can easily buy on a daily basis, you can feel Japan in your daily life. Another great point is that it is practical and reasonably priced. It is made in Japan and features beautiful printing, and the design on the back is also very particular. To begin with, “Ukiyo-e” originated from paintings depicting customs and manners drawn from the Edo to Taisho periods. The character “ukiyo” (floating world) was used to express the desire to float around and enjoy life in this world because the world is full of unpleasant things, and the name “ukiyo-e” was derived from this desire. This ukiyoe depicts the villainous Edobei, a robber of public money, in a work by Toshusai Sharaku, the artist who created the nishikie, covering “Koi Nyobo Somebun Tezuna”.
Oribumi Ji, Kyoto Set,” which can be used by folding the memo part.
The next most popular Japanese souvenir for foreigners is the “Oribumi-note Kyoto Set” (5,160 yen including tax).
The “Orbumi-note Kyoto Set” is a set of notebooks decorated with Japanese designs such as maiko han, konpei sugar, sakura mochi, nama yatsuhashi, tsuchigumo, nekomata, rokurokubi, and tengu. Maiko Han is a girl in training to become a geiko, and Tengu is believed to be a messenger of the mountain god, both motifs that remind us of Japanese history and stories. This memo can be folded in half to convey what you have written without leaking it to others by folding the part that is the memo. It is great for use in a variety of situations, such as exchanging small letters between friends, writing notes on phone calls inherited from work, or letters to accompany gifts. Since the memo set is full of Kyoto-like designs, it is recommended as a souvenir or gift.
Yuzen Chiyogami Notepad “ with a cute floral pattern
The “ Yuzen Chiyogami Notepad ” (440 yen including tax) is another recommended Japanese souvenir for foreigners.
The “Yuzen Chiyogami Notepad” is a memo pad with a lovely floral pattern based on a kimono-like design. The chiyogami used for this memo is. It refers to the traditional Japanese paper “washi”, a traditional Japanese product, or one that is color-printed with ancient Japanese patterns. Although it used to be called chiyogami if it was made of Japanese paper, as Western paper came into circulation, it is now often called chiyogami even if it is made of Western paper, as long as it has Japanese patterns printed on it. In addition, this memo is based on a pattern that expresses the yuzen pattern of “yuzen paper” using the otei-mattern technique. Since many patterns on chiyogami are adopted from yuzen patterns, they are considered to be a good match for chiyogami. Among the notebooks and memo pads introduced here, this is a uniquely Japanese memo pad that competes for the highest level of cuteness.
Adorable “ Kimono Memo ” in the shape of a kimono
Next, we recommend the “Kimono Memo ” (495 yen including tax) as a Japanese souvenir memo for foreigners.
As the name suggests, the “Kimono Memo” is a memo pad in the shape of a kimono. The cover is made of yuzen washi paper, which is gorgeous, and the memo pad with a subtle cherry blossom pattern on it is a charming point. Yuzen washi refers to Japanese paper made in Kyoto, Japan, which is gorgeously dyed and tailored with traditional Japanese patterns in a variety of rich colors. Some patterns, such as plants, flowers, birds, and landscapes, are drawn in curves like pictures, and while many vivid colors are used, the color scheme is thorough and dignified in every detail. If you want a notepad in the shape of a kimono, or if you like floral patterns and kimonos, this is the perfect Japanese souvenir.
Japanese-style notebook with an attractive retro pattern
Wazutsu Notebook “ (3,850 yen including tax) is another notebook recommended as a Japanese souvenir for foreigners.
The “Wazutsu Notebook” is a notebook with a cute retro pattern. A type of Japanese book with a traditional Japanese binding, the Wazutsu Notebook is made by binding threads by hand, one stitch at a time, and is characterized by its beauty and sturdiness. Original hand-dyed yuzen paper is used for the cover, and a variety of patterns are available, from cozy patterns based on traditional designs to cute floral patterns. The Japanese paper used is different from ordinary paper in that it is warm and soft to the touch. In addition, while the cover has an eye-catching appearance, the inside pages are natural white, making them easy to actually use. Since the notebook is made of materials unique to Japan and is not expensive, it is an item that can easily be purchased as a souvenir from Japan.
Foil-pressed Misuzu Songs x ROKKAKU Plain Notebook “ featuring the nursery rhyme poet Misuzu Kaneko
The last notebook recommended as a Japanese souvenir for foreigners is the “ Foil-pressed Misuzu song × ROKKAKU plain notebook ” (1,430 yen including tax).
The “Foil-pressed Misuzu Songs x ROKKAKU Plain Notebook” is based on the poem “Me, a Little Bird, and a Bell” by Misuzu Kaneko, one of Japan’s most famous poets. The striking design features fluttering, scattered foil that shines beautifully in the light. One practical point is that its A5 size makes it easy to carry in a bag. Misuzu Kaneko was a Japanese children’s song poet who was highly acclaimed after her passing. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, her poem “Kodama desu ka” (Is it a Kodama?) was featured in a TV commercial. Me, a Little Bird, a Bell,” is a poem that conveys the intention that although everything has its differences, ‘those differences are its advantages’ and ”everything has its good points. This item would be recommended not only for its gorgeous foil design, but also for those who love modern Japanese literature and Misuzu Kaneko.
Conclusion
In this article, we have introduced six notebooks and memos that we recommend to foreigners as Japanese souvenirs. In Japan, there are various kinds of items such as ukiyoe, maiko han, konpei sugar, sakura mochi, and nama yatsuhashi. Other stylish notebooks and memos include tengu, floral, kimono, and retro patterns. If you are interested in these uniquely Japanese notebooks and memos, consider visiting department stores and stationery stores in Kyoto and Osaka to see which souvenirs you can purchase.
