One of the most popular souvenir items for foreigners is the Japanese T-shirt. There are a variety of T-shirts available, ranging from those designed with a single kanji character to those with patterns symbolizing Japan, such as sushi or maiko. Some foreigners may want to give a Japanese-style T-shirt as a souvenir to a friend, or purchase a T-shirt sold in Japan for themselves. Therefore, this article introduces six T-shirts that are recommended Japanese souvenirs for foreigners. Please refer to them when considering which ones to buy as souvenirs at nearby department stores or general merchandise stores during your trip to Kyoto or Osaka.
Samurai (white) T-shirt with the word “Samurai” written in Chinese characters
A T-shirt recommended as a Japanese souvenir for foreigners is the “Samurai (white) T-shirt” (1,650 yen including tax).
The “Samurai (White) T-Shirt,” a popular Japanese souvenir, features a design with the word “Samurai” written in large Chinese characters. This T-shirt is themed around the samurai, a symbol of Japanese culture, and is made of solid fabric and sewn with excellent quality. The price is reasonable, yet the solid fabric and sewing will allow for long wear. The samurai motif has also played an important role in Japanese history; until the late 1800s, samurai were present throughout Japan and were commonly seen carrying swords. Samurai were not originally warriors, but were derived from a word meaning “to watch over,” and generally referred to those who served nobles. As time went on, samurai came to have a fighting role, and the modern image of the samurai took hold. Thus, the “Samurai (white) T-shirt” is a symbolic item of Japanese history and culture, and would be an ideal Japanese souvenir.
Sushi T-shirt” with a cute illustration of sushi ingredients
The next most popular Japanese souvenir for foreigners is the “Sushi T-shirt” (from 2,300 yen including tax).
The “Sushi T-Shirt” features cute illustrations of popular Japanese sushi items.
The T-shirt is made of a moderately thick, firm fabric and features double-stitched neck ribbing for durability and stretch resistance. The simple pattern makes it comfortable to wear in any everyday situation. The tuna used in the design is known as a “fish that brings happiness,” and is dedicated at Nishinomiya Shrine in Shake-cho, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, to pray for a big catch and prosperous business. Shrimp is also an auspicious ingredient symbolizing “longevity” and “growth and development,” and frequently appears in wedding and New Year’s dishes. Furthermore, salmon roe is considered a good-luck food for procreation, as it is associated with the wish to be “blessed with a child. The design of this “Sushi T-shirt” is both visually appealing and auspicious, and will be appreciated not only as a way to enjoy Japanese food culture, but also as an item that brings good luck.
Fugaku Sanjurokkei T-shirt” featuring ukiyoe painted by Katsushika Hokusai
The “Fugaku Sanjurokkei T-shirt” (2,480 yen including tax), with its simple design, is another recommended Japanese souvenir for foreigners.
The “Large Bangasa, Deep Green, 48 Bones” T-shirt is made with carefully selected sturdy hand sticks, main and small bones for daily use. This T-shirt is a “Bangasa,” a rain umbrella made of thick bamboo bones covered with Japanese paper and oiled over it. It is also used as a rental umbrella at high-class inns. It is also recommended for men because it is made of thicker material and heavier than a standard jenome umbrella. After use on a rainy day, it should be dried in the shade so that it can be used for a long time. The “green” color used is said to be effective in steadily saving money and improving health, as it is expected to have the power of regeneration, revival, and healing. The “Fugaku Sanjurokkei” T-shirt is based on the famous ukiyoe print “Kanagawa Okinamiura” by Hokusai Katsushika, an ukiyoe artist from the late Edo period. This T-shirt is made of 100% cotton and is constructed of heavyweight cotton that does not stretch or shrink easily after washing. The shape is made with an emphasis on fit, so that once you put it on, you will never be able to go back to other T-shirts. The “Kanagawa Okinamiura” depicted on this T-shirt is one of Hokusai Katsushika’s masterpieces in his “Fugaku Sanjurokkei” series, well known throughout the world. This work depicts the powerful movement of waves that draw the viewer in through meticulous calculation and composition. The key point of the composition is that it depicts the tip of a large wave and the top of Mt. Fuji, naturally guiding the viewer’s gaze from the wave’s crest to Mt. The artistic value of the design can also be seen on the reverse side of the new 1,000-yen bill to be issued in 2024, which will also feature the “Kanagawa Okinamiura” design. This T-shirt is recommended as an item that allows you to wear the beauty of Ukiyo-e and traditional Japanese culture.
Ninja T-shirts” (300 characters), which were used to assassinate people in the service of feudal lords in Japan
The next T-shirt recommended as a Japanese souvenir for foreigners is the “Ninja T-shirt” (1,320 yen including tax).
The “Ninja T-Shirt” is an item that evokes the history and culture of Japan.
The T-shirt features a design that expresses the mysterious presence of the ninja, and is made of solid fabric and sewn with high quality The ninja depicted on the T-shirt were also known as “ninja” and had different names in different regions. Ninja were special soldiers who served feudal lords during the Warring States period and performed such tasks as gathering information and sabotage. Their main mission was to infiltrate enemy strongholds and gather information in disguise. In addition, ninja costumes are generally brown like the color of astringent persimmon, which differs from the modern image. It is said that wearing ninja costumes during the daytime was so conspicuous that they were actually rarely worn. This “Ninja T-shirt” would be an attractive item for many tourists as it allows them to wear the history and atmosphere of the ninja.
Zen T-shirts” with Chinese characters on them are very popular among foreigners
The “Zen T-shirt” is another popular souvenir of Japan for foreigners.
The “Zen T-shirt” is a piece of clothing featuring the deep spiritual culture of Japan. The T-shirt features a large design of the Chinese character for “Zen,” and its simple yet profound message is the secret to its popularity. Ideal for those who seek originality, the unique design is not often seen in other stores. The kanji “Zen” used in the design represents the Japanese spiritual culture that pursues purity of mind and tranquility. Zen teachings emphasize three states of mind: no-phase, no-residence, and no-concern. Zen teaching emphasizes the importance of three states of mind: no-phase, no-dwelling, and no-thoughts, which mean not sticking to one form, not staying in one place, and not being biased toward one thought. It is also said that by being exposed to the teachings of Zen, one can be freed from daily distractions and selfish desires and approach a state of mind that is free and unrestricted.
Maiko T-shirt” featuring a geiko apprentice and the Tokyo logo
The last recommended T-shirt to introduce as a Japanese souvenir for foreigners is the “Maiko T-shirt” (1,650 yen including tax).
The “Maiko T-shirt” features a design that blends traditional Kyoto culture with modern Tokyo elements. Made of 100% cotton and high quality fabric, it offers a solid, durable and comfortable fit when worn. This T-shirt is popular in Asakusa stores and is an original product that continues to sell every day. The T-shirts are made from trusted brands such as Toms, United Asle, and Gildan, and the sewing quality is also very high. The “maiko” depicted in the design is a young girl in training to become a geiko in Kyoto’s Hanamachi district. During their first year as apprentices, they learn manners, dance, and the language of the geisha quarter. After that, they go through an apprenticeship period before making their debut as official maiko. This T-shirt has a simple design that combines the elegance of a traditional maiko with a modern Tokyo logo, making it a great item that can be used for a long time.
Conclusion
In this article, we have introduced six T-shirts that are recommended Japanese souvenirs for foreigners. Various types of T-shirts are sold in Japan, including those with kanji characters such as “Samurai” and “Zen,” ninja, and maiko. In addition, we believe that traditional Japanese designs such as ukiyoe, which are not simple patterns or illustrations, are powerful patterns for foreigners. If you are interested in Japanese T-shirts made of high-grade materials, try selecting souvenirs at department stores or T-shirt specialty stores in Kyoto or Osaka. Also, if you want to give T-shirts as souvenirs to many friends, we recommend that you visit a general merchandise store to purchase T-shirts.
