Gifts for Japan Lovers, Sorted by What Kind of Person They Are

What's a good gift for someone who loves Japan? Pick something tied to a specific part of Japanese culture they already like, such as folklore, food, cats or classic woodblock art, instead of something generically "Japanese." A Japanese-inspired graphic tee with a real story behind it works well because it's personal, wearable, and gives them something to explain at parties.

Below are our picks, sorted by the kind of person you're shopping for. Every pick is a unisex T-shirt from our own shop. We are not neutral. We did at least sort them.

How to pick a Japanese gift that isn't generic

Most "Japanese gifts" lists are chopsticks, a bonsai kit and a lucky cat figurine. All fine. All already owned by the person you're shopping for.

A better gift matches the specific thing they're into:

• Folklore and yokai if they watch anime with spirits and monsters in it
• Food if they have opinions about ramen broth
• Cats if they have opinions about cats, which they do
• Classic art if they've ever paused in front of a Hokusai print
• Luck and good-fortune symbols if they own crystals and mean it

Then check that the gift actually says something true about that thing. Every InkForm design has its lore and its Japanese text translated on the product page, so you'll know what you're giving. If they ask what the kanji means, you'll have an answer.

For the cat person

They already have a cat. They want to wear a cat. They will not accept a dog.

• Talk to the Paw Maneki Cat T-Shirt: the lucky cat that has waved customers into Japanese shops since the 1800s, now using the paw for something else.
• Going with the Flow Great Wave Cat T-Shirt: a cat in a bathtub on top of Hokusai's Great Wave, towel on head, completely unbothered by the ocean.
• I Choose Peace Samurai Cat T-Shirt: paw on the sword, eyes half shut. Peace for now. Ask again later.

For the folklore nerd (and the anime fan)

Japanese folklore is packed with yokai, the spirits and creatures that show up all over anime, manga and games. If your person knows what a kappa is, they'll want one. If they don't, they'll want an explanation, which is also a gift.

• Kappa Yokai Cucumber Back T-Shirt: a river yokai that can be defeated by bowing. Ours is busy with a cucumber.
• Professionally Arrogant Tengu T-Shirt: a long-nosed mountain spirit. In Japanese, "becoming a tengu" means getting too full of yourself. He considers this a compliment.
• Resting Face Noppera-bo T-Shirt: the faceless ghost, in a suit, in a Monday meeting. Nobody has noticed.

For the one who quotes their own horoscope

They believe in signs. Japan has plenty of good-luck symbols, and these three come with instructions.

• Still Working on the Other Eye Daruma T-Shirt: you paint one eye when you set a goal and the other when you reach it. This one has one eye done and is not discussing a timeline.
• Big Ball Energy Tanuki T-Shirt: the tanuki statue outside Japanese restaurants stands for financial luck. How it stands for financial luck is on the product page. Read it before you give it to your aunt.
• Kaeru Japanese Frog T-Shirt: in Japanese, "frog" and "return home" sound the same, so frog charms are kept to bring things back. Money, luck, the person wearing the shirt.

For the ramen person

They have a ranked list of ramen spots. It's in their notes app. It has been updated recently.

• Cat Ramen Back T-Shirt: a late-night ramen stall run by a cat. One bowl. No special requests.
• Guarding My Snacks Dragon Ramen T-Shirt: a dragon coiled around a bowl of ramen. Chashu, egg, nori. Nobody gets a bite, and that includes you.
• Toxic But Worth It Pufferfish T-Shirt: for the friend who orders the fugu. Chefs in Japan need a license to serve it, and people order it anyway.

For the art-history person

They went to the museum on vacation. On purpose. Twice.

• Koi Dragon Gate Back T-Shirt: the koi that swims up the waterfall and turns into a dragon, in full-color woodblock style through Hokusai-style waves. Comes with a small koi on the chest as the "before" picture.
• Sakura Branch Back T-Shirt: one cherry blossom branch in sumi ink with a red 桜 seal. The blossoms last a week or two in spring. The shirt lasts longer.

For the friend who says "I'll be there at 9"

They will not be there at 9. You both know this. Get them a shirt that admits it.

• Out of Office Cat T-Shirt: a cat that hung a 本日休業 sign, "closed today," and went to sleep. No explanation, no apology.
• Not My Problem Frog T-Shirt: a frog on a lily pad saying 知らん, casual Japanese for "no idea." He heard you. He doesn't care.
• Already Left Ninja T-Shirt: they arrive late, so it's only fair they get to leave early. The ninja is halfway into a cloud of smoke and still waving.

For the one who hates Mondays a normal amount

Everyone has one. You may be shopping for yourself. We won't tell.

• Demon of Mondays Oni T-Shirt: a horned oni from Japanese folklore, mask pushed up, drinking green tea before speaking to anyone.
• Loud by Nature Raijin T-Shirt: the Japanese thunder god, headphones on, eyes closed, not turning it down.
• City in the Way Giant Salamander T-Shirt: a five-foot giant salamander passing through town. It is not being dramatic. The city was in the way.

Before you order: sizing, timing and returns

The practical bit. Read it so the gift shows up on time and fits.

Sizing. All of our tees are unisex with a relaxed fit, in sizes S to 3XL. Measurements are in inches (width is armpit to armpit):

Relaxed fit means their usual size. If they like an oversized fit, go up one or two sizes. If you don't know their size, check the tag on a T-shirt they wear a lot. Asking them directly also works but ruins the surprise.

Timing. Every shirt is printed to order in the US, so it's made after you order it. Printing takes 1-4 business days and shipping takes 2-5, so most orders arrive in 3-9 business days. For birthdays and holidays, order early. The cat at the ramen stall works at his own pace.

Shipping. We ship within the US only.

Returns. You have a 14-day return window.

Colors. Every design comes in black, pepper (a washed charcoal), ivory and white.