Gift Ideas: Show Your Appreciation

If you search gift giving in Japan you will find countless articles of the dos and don'ts of receiving and giving gifts for the usual year round occasions. However, for dancers, there may be a time where you need to get a gift for your teacher or teammate to show your appreciation. What then? Are there rules you need to follow?

Occasions to gift: Dance Performances

Typically, if you participate in a dance performance, the group will then prepare a gift to the choreographer or/and the organizer. This is normally given during the nomikai (飲み会); the afterparty or drinking party which happens after the performance. Nomikais are important, as it is a chance to bond and congratulate each other after the event. If you want to give something to a particular team mate, it is best to do it privately so as not to cause offence to other people.

For the choreographer: Who gives the gift?

Now this depends on the dynamic of the group. If there is an apprentice or sub-leader, then normally they would organize and give the present. But if there is no sub-leader then the person who has known or danced with the choreographer the longest would get the gift together. None the less there are no set rules. If there seems to be no one in charge of this responsibility then ask the group as a whole and do it all together.

What to give: The Usual

Universally, a card with a message of gratitude goes a long way. If you can't find a card big enough, how about writing messages on beautifully decorated note paper. The latter is particularly good if you belong to a large group of people. That way everyone has the same amount of space to write what they want.

Framing a group picture or creating a collage of photos is a great way to capture the memories. You can even take this one step further by creating a movie on an app or with a video editing software.

If the person you are buying for has a favorite character, getting merch or goods is easy in the land of character mania. With countless anime/idol stores and pop up events in the real world and online, you're spoilt for choice.

Flowers can be a hit or miss as they tend to be a generic gift. But if you know the person you are buying a gift for likes flowers, then there are plenty of flower shops in Japan to chose from.

Dance related gear is also a safe choice if you are buying a gift for a dancer. Small tote bags, towels, water bottles, sweat bands and even t-shirts make inexpensive presents that are useful and can be personalized.

Here is a list of stores in Japan where you can get these ideas.

Cards/Pictures

• Daiso

• Can Do

• Seria

• Tokyo Hands

• Loft

Character goods

• 3COINS

• Cou Cou

• Mikazuki Momoko

• Thank You Mart

• Disney Store

• Shonen Jump Store

• Ghibli Museum Store

• Pokemon Center

Flower shops

• Aoyama Flower Market

• The Japan Florist

• Nippon Florist

Dance Gear

• ABC Mart

• Chacott

The unusual: Finding a unique present

The usual gifts are safe but can also be predictable and not capture the emotions/thoughts/memories you may want to express. Here are some suggestions for thoughtful gifts that have more depth to them.

Engrave a picture

Engraving a memory on an object is an excellent present because not only is it personalized but it also can be a source of comfort. Check out this brand called c9 Couper, where you can get pouches, keychains, card holders, coasters and other small items engraved with an image of your choice. This brand also has a tic toc, youtube and twitter too. Getting a gift like this is a great way to support a small business while making the present more unique and one of a kind.

Studio Time

This may be a no-brainer, but dancers need space to dance. Getting a dance space rental for a creator is very practical and thoughtful. If a rental studio doesn't have vouchers, how about creating an I.O.U or your own voucher and negotiating a time and space with the gift receiver. Research dance rental spaces in your town or check out these ones in major cities in Japan:

• Noa dance rehearsal - Tokyo

• En Dance Studio - Tokyo

• Studio Dance Works - Tokyo

• Worsal Rental Studio - Tokyo

• Dance Studio Praia - Osaka

• Alleyoop - Osaka

• Fresh Dance Studio - Osaka

• Studio Ash Rental - Osaka

Alternatively, if you are getting a present for a fellow dance member or class mate, why not pay for one of their classes?

Looking for presents outside of Japan

Earlier in this article it was mentioned that Japan is a good place for character or idol merch. However it can be difficult to find items for western media and artists within Japan. The person you are buying a gift for might be a Beyoncé fan, or love Game of Thrones. Well then, Redbuddle is the perfect place for goods that cater for western and eastern media. They do t-shirts, stickers, phone cases and other objects in the form of your faves. Imagine getting a present for your teacher that includes the artist or lyrics from the song they choreographed? It instantly becomes a sentimental and memorable present.

From the typical to the more personal, hopefully this article has helped with ideas on what to give someone as a sign of gratitude.

If you enjoyed this guide, be sure to read our other blogs. Thank you for reading!