Socks sold in Japan are one of the most popular souvenirs among foreigners. There are a variety of socks available in the same Japan, such as those with original Japanese patterns or designs based on a single kanji character. There may be people from abroad who are traveling to Japan and want to buy socks with a uniquely Japanese design that is rare in their own country, or want to give socks to their friends as a souvenir of Japan. Therefore, this article introduces socks recommended by foreigners as Japanese souvenirs. Please refer to them when you stop by department stores and general merchandise stores during your trip to Kyoto and Osaka.
THE lucky charm item: “Maneki Neko Pattern Socks
Socks recommended as Japanese souvenirs for foreigners are “Maneki Neko Pattern Socks” (385 yen including tax).
One of the most popular Japanese souvenirs is the “Maneki Neko Pattern Socks. The beckoning cat is loved by many people because of its adorable appearance and its significance as a good-luck charm. Among beckoning cats, the tortoiseshell, white, and black beckoning cats each have different meanings, such as bringing luck, bringing good fortune, and warding off bad luck, and are popular among visitors to Japan. These socks are made in Japan and are slightly larger than regular ladies’ sizes, making them easy to wear for foreigners. The materials used include cotton and acrylic, making them comfortable to wear. The beckoning cat pattern, which is representative of good luck in Japan, will definitely be appreciated by the recipient when purchased as a souvenir. Please try them as a lucky charm item that brings luck and good fortune.
Five-finger socks, women’s Fuji-zakura,” health goods with a stylish Japanese pattern
The next popular Japanese souvenir sock for foreigners is “Five-finger Socks, Ladies Fuji Cherry Blossom” (440 yen including tax).
Five-finger socks with a Fuji-zakura pattern are recommended as both a souvenir and a health product. These socks are characterized by their ability to keep the toes independent, making them less susceptible to dampness and more hygienic, and their specifications allow for natural toe movement, making them effective in preventing bunions and hallux valgus. The cherry blossoms used in the design are believed to bring good luck due to their “spiritual beauty” and “graceful womanhood,” and the shape of Mount Fuji is believed to bring good luck due to its “spreading out” shape, making it no exaggeration to say that this design brings good luck. Sizes are available from 22 cm to 25 cm, with a kakato to prevent shifting. Combining a stylish Japanese pattern with practicality, these five-toed socks are the perfect gift for good health and good fortune.
Tabi Shoes Socks” with a Wide Variety of Designs
Tabi Shoes Socks” (1,280 yen including tax) are also recommended as a Japanese souvenir for foreigners.
Tabi Shoes socks are a fusion of Japanese tradition and practicality. The materials used are cotton, polyester, and polyurethane for comfort. Sizes range from 25 cm to 28 cm and are suitable for men and women of all ages. A wide variety of Japanese pop patterns and unique Japanese motifs such as tigers and fireworks are available, making them a unique fashion item. Tigers and designs such as Daikoku Ebisu-sama are also popular as lucky charms to ward off evil spirits, ward off bad luck, and bring prosperity to business. Tigers are believed to use their strong life force to ward off all kinds of bad luck and bring prosperity to the family. A front-facing tiger is believed to ward off misfortune as the “tiger of the eight directions. The set of Ebisu and Daikoku, as the god of fishery and the god of agriculture, symbolize money and financial fortune, and their relationship is conveyed as that of father and son. These designs will come in handy not only as socks, but also as lucky charms.
Men’s Maiko x Fireworks Socks” with an illustration of a maiko and fireworks
Next, we recommend the “Men’s Maiko x Fireworks Socks” (440 yen including tax) as Japanese souvenir socks for foreigners.
The “Men’s Maiko x Fireworks Socks” feature an illustration of a maiko, a symbol of Japanese culture, and fireworks, and delicately depict a “maiko,” a young girl in training in Kyoto’s Hanamachi district. The beautiful costume of the maiko, her distinctive footwear called “okobo,” and her sarari obi (sash) are all key points of interest. In addition, the fireworks depicted in the illustration remind us of Japanese summer festivals, which have been held since ancient times to repose the souls of the dead of plague and famine. The sneaker length makes these socks suitable for daily use and easy to use in everyday life. Socks designed with a gorgeous maiko figure and vivid fireworks will be attractive to visitors to Japan as an item that brings Japanese culture closer to them. For those who love maiko and fireworks, this is the perfect Japanese souvenir.
Sushi and Sea Bream Japanese Pattern Socks with Realistic Sushi Patterns
The “Sushi and Sea Bream Japanese Pattern Socks” (3,850 yen including tax) are also recommended as Japanese souvenirs for foreigners.
The “Sushi and Sea Bream Japanese Pattern Socks” are unique socks filled with the charm of Japanese food culture. These socks are in the shape of tabi socks with independent thumbs, which helps to promote blood circulation by allowing easy access to the toes, thereby improving sensitivity to cold. They also come with a kakato to prevent shifting, making them safe to wear. The design is decorated with a realistic sushi and sea bream pattern, bringing Japanese food culture closer to home. The sea bream has long been used in celebrations as a fish for success in life, and it also has the meaning of a good-luck charm to avoid misfortune (sakeru). Like other lucky charms such as salmon and squid depicted as sushi ingredients, these socks are recommended as an item that brings good luck. The bright sea bream and sushi design would make a great gift.
Men’s Samurai Socks” featuring Kanji characters
The last recommended sock to introduce as a Japanese souvenir for foreigners is “Men’s Samurai Socks” (440 yen including tax).
The “Men’s Samurai Socks” with a motif of Kanji characters represent Japanese Kanji characters and culture. Made of cotton, acrylic, nylon, polyester, and polyurethane, they are available in sizes 25 cm to 28 cm and feature a sneaker-length design. The word “samurai,” written in kanji characters, refers to people of the samurai class in Japan from the medieval to modern periods. They practiced martial arts such as swordsmanship and archery based on the spirit of bushido and participated in battle. Furthermore, the image of the Samurai has spread abroad through movies, anime, and manga, and their attractive characters and way of life are enthusiastically supported. In addition, the tabi sock style, in which the thumb and the other four toes are separated, makes it easier to maintain proper walking and posture, and is effective in preventing bunions. As a souvenir that is also practical, this is the perfect item for Samurai lovers.
Conclusion
In this article, we have introduced six pairs of socks that we recommend to foreigners as Japanese souvenirs. In Japan, there are socks with various patterns such as beckoning cats, fireworks, sushi, maiko, Fujiyama, and tigers. There are also socks with original Japanese designs based on a single kanji character, such as samurai. If you are interested in such uniquely Japanese socks, we recommend visiting department stores and general merchandise stores in Kyoto and Osaka. We encourage you to consider which souvenirs you would like to purchase by seeing them with your own eyes.
