Souvenirs forJapanese

Hi all....

I will be putting up at a Japanese Associate's apartment in Kobe for a few days.

I will like to get them a souvenir from my own country but I am not sure if there's any "do" or "don't" in selecting the right souvenirs. What can I buy or not buy? They are actually a Japanese couple who are in their late 40s.

Thanks for your help in advance.

Amanda, have you taken a look at the "Homestay gifts" question? In any case, we are a couple of that age range, and I can't think of any specific don'ts.

http://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?0+3500

Just avoid a quantity of 4. Better 3 equal or 5 equal things ( CD, cookies, aso )than 4.

The reason behind this is because the number 4 (pronounced "shi") is a homophone for death. So 4 would be considered unlucky.

About 4, yes it is considered unlucky but the Japanese are practical people too. If it is practical to get something that has 4 things in total, then I don't think there would be a fuss. eg. buying something that comes in pair, and one pair for each.

http://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?0+32171