Towels and handkerchiefs sold in Japan are one of the most popular souvenirs for foreigners. There are a variety of towels made of fabrics unique to Japan, Fuji, cherry blossoms, sushi, animals, etc. Some foreigners may want to buy original Japanese towels that are rare in their own country, or may want to buy towels as Japanese souvenirs for their friends. Therefore, this article introduces towels and handkerchiefs recommended by foreigners as Japanese souvenirs. Please take a look at them for reference when you stop by a nearby general store during your trip to Kyoto or Osaka.
Fuji Towel Handkerchief” that folds up cutely
Fuji Towel Handkerchief” (825 yen including tax) is a towel recommended as a Japanese souvenir for foreigners.
Fuji when folded triangularly.
Fuji can be peeked out from the pocket when folded as shown in the image. Fuji is also considered a symbol of “good luck” in Japan, making it an ideal souvenir. Fuji is characterized by its “eight” shape from the top of the mountain to its base. Fuji is characterized by its “eight” shape from its peak to its base, which is considered a good omen for continued happiness, success, and prosperity. In Japan, there is a belief that nature is inhabited by gods. For this reason, high mountains such as Mt. Fuji are regarded as “sacred peaks,” mountains that are revered as objects of worship. Fuji, which is treated as a special entity in Japan, is a good choice especially for those who like lucky charms.
Imabari Towel Sakura Monori Sakura Dyeing” whose dye material is petals
The next towel that is a popular souvenir of Japan for foreigners is the “Imabari Towel Sakura Monori Sakura Dyeing” (4,400 yen including tax).
This soft, highly absorbent Imabari towel is made with dye taken from cherry blossom petals. Most of the towel’s cloth area is made of pile fabric, in which the fibers are woven in rounded loops. The pile fabric is made of sweetly twisted yarn, which gives the towels a soft and fluffy feel. Cherry blossoms have the words “beauty of spirit” and “graceful woman” in the language of flowers, so they will give an image of dignity and sophistication. In addition, the patented “New Natural Dyeing Method (Botanical Dye)” is used to dye the towels in cherry blossom color. This is a special method that combines the ancient traditional technique of “herb and tree dyeing” with modern technology. These towels, dyed with dyestuffs taken from real cherry petals, are ideal for those who want to feel Japan.
Animal Series Scaramita Towel “Shimaenaga” with impressive embroidery
The “Animal Series Scarlett Towel Shimaena” (660 yen including tax) is another towel recommended as a souvenir of Japan for foreigners.
This mini towel is embroidered with a striped enaga, a small bird commonly seen in Hokkaido in winter. The size is 25 cm x 25 cm, and the material is 100% cotton for ease of use. The striped egret is also known as the “snow fairy” and is regarded as a lucky bird that brings happiness in Japan. Its snow-white fur conjures up images of sophistication, and it is expected to bring positive energy and healing to people. It is also said that seeing a striped eagle is an omen of good luck. If you like cute animals and lucky charms like the striped eagles, this towel is perfect for you.
Enfuku Towel” invites good fortune
The next most popular Japanese souvenir towel for foreigners is the “Enfuku Towel” (858 yen including tax).
This Senshu towel features a “beckoning cat,” a typical Japanese good-luck charm. Senshu towels are towels produced in the Senshu area of Osaka, the birthplace of the Japanese towel industry. The towels are made of 100% cotton, which makes them soft and pleasant to the touch, as well as thin, light, and highly absorbent. The beckoning cat is an original Japanese good-luck charm that was created in the Edo period (1603-1868) to invite good fortune. The cat’s expression differs depending on the left or right hand raised, and there are also differences in the cat’s expression depending on the region. Towels with a pattern that beckons good fortune are recommended not only as souvenirs but also as gifts.
Chiyogami Towel Sushi” depicting Japanese soul food
Chiyogami Towel Sushi” (880 yen including tax) is another towel recommended as a Japanese souvenir for foreigners.
It is no exaggeration to say that this towel has a “sushi” pattern, which is the most famous Japanese food. With a thickness of about half that of a regular towel, it is light and not bulky. It will be useful not only for everyday use in the kitchen, but also for leisure activities, hot springs, and other outings. The gauze material used on the surface and the pile material used on the reverse side provide excellent water absorbency. In addition, since sushi was originally an offering made to the gods at shrines, the Chinese character for “Kotobuki” (meaning “longevity”), which is used during celebrations, is used to bring good luck. Since the towels come in a box, it is recommended to purchase them as a small gift.
Orion Face Towel” featuring a representative of Okinawan beer
The last towel recommended as a Japanese souvenir for foreigners is the “Orion Face Towel” (1,353 yen including tax).
This face towel has a pattern of “Orion Beer,” a local beer well-known among Okinawans in Japan. The name “Orion Beer” was chosen from an advertisement placed in the morning newspaper on November 1, 1957, by the general public. The name Orion was chosen because “Orion is the star of the south and matches the image of Okinawa” and “the star symbolizes people’s dreams and aspirations. After the name was decided, “Orion Beer” was put on sale, with the meaning of always unfinished and perpetually pursuing an ideal. In addition, the first letter “O” in the logo “Orion” refers to the “unfinished circle” and the third letter “i” refers to people.
The circle above the “i” represents the “perfect circle” and the “Okinawan sun” that Orion Beer is pursuing. Many people may be attracted to the Orion Beer logo as well as the origin and meaning of the name and purchase it as a souvenir.
Conclusion
In this article, we have introduced towels recommended by foreigners as Japanese souvenirs. In addition to cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji, there are many uniquely Japanese towels sold at Japanese general merchandise stores, such as Kabuki and checkered patterns, Imabari towels, and chiyogami towels. Some stores also offer Kinki-patterned towels with illustrations of takoyaki (octopus balls) and shrines, as well as towels with a map of Japan. If you would like to purchase a uniquely Japanese towel or handkerchief, consider stopping by a general store in Kyoto or Osaka to purchase a souvenir.
