Hello, would a variety pack of fun size Halloween candy be to small for omiyage? I don’t have room to bring a lot of omiyage but received an email from PA saying we should bring alot for everyone. Would a single piece of candy be suffice or is to to small and insulting ?
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Did your PA say you have to bring omiyage or did they said if you do, then bring alot?
For omiyage, it should be small bite size-ish individually wrapped snacks or candies. One per person. Small piece of candy is fine.
Bringing or not bringing omiyage when you first arrive will not determine how your experience on JET will go. If you don’t bring omiyage when you move to your placement, its not going to make you look rude or offend anyone.
You said you don’t have a lot of space to bring omiyage, you already have other things you rather pack. Once you arrive you will have plenty of opportunities to give omiyage especially if you plan to travel anywhere in Japan. You can buy omiyage anywhere in Japan.
It would be nice, but keep in mind it’s not necessary or expected by your coworkers as you are just meeting for the first time. They might even be on vacation when you arrive in august so don’t feel pressured! Also they will likely melt in the heat so keep that in mind
I will keep this in mind
I think your PA should not have said that, it definitely isn’t a bad idea but you don’t have to bring them. It won’t make a huge difference.
If you do, I’d keep in mind that American candy is generally thought of as way too sweet by many Japanese, the thought will be appreciated but things like Skittles or many other common candies they probably will not actually like. They won’t ever tell you, many JETs may even try to tell you they brought some and everyone was so happy (they aren’t, they’re being polite)
Chocolate too, the standard Hershey’s doesn’t usually go well outside the US, it has a bizarre taste many are not used to
Other things to keep in mind: you may meet people at the BOE and teachers at school at different phases after you arrive rather than all at once. Some may be out on holiday when you arrive. Others just not around when you happen to be at school in the time leading up to the official first day of school. Meaning it may be awkward to always have to think about taking omiyage each time you meet people.
Also keep in mind chocolate will likely melt in transit at some point in the summer as Japan is very hot
Omiyage is generally more for when someone goes on a trip and is given as a thank you to colleagues for taking on extra work while away/little gifts for friends. I would not expect omiyage from someone just coming into a job. Definitely don’t bring any if it’s extra room you don’t have in your suitcase.
American candy is often too sweet for Japanese tastes as another person pointed out. Bringing in omiyage is a bonus and nice conversation tool, but not mandatory and hard to calculate without consulting with your pred. If you find yourself packed and with a bit of extra space, ask your pred about numbers of staff and what has gone over well with them. I curse the office lady hoarding ALT treats who started this trend and the annual posts stressing out over this.
Fun size is basically the exact size of omiyage. It’s never something large.
Omiyage is only to make a good first impression. They do not expect you to bring some, but if you do, it will give teachers initiative to talk to you.
Don’t worry about bringing enough because really its the thought that counts
You really don’t need omiyage, but if you do decide to bring it, pick something that isn’t chocolate. It will melt in your suitcase.
That’s exactly what I did! Was well received.
To be clear, you do not *need* to bring omiyage. I’m assuming that your PA meant that *if* you plan on bringing omiyage, you should bring enough for everyone, not that you need to. No one in your office(s) should be expecting you to.
That being said, if you *want* to, I think Halloween candy is a fun idea (and I actually did the same). My co-workers seemed to appreciate the gesture, and it actually started a few conversations, which I enjoyed.
I have no idea why your PA would have said that, but omiyage isn’t necessary. Don’t waste your precious luggage space.
This question comes up time and time again and I don’t understand why, because there’s no expectation for new arrivals to bring omiyage with them.
Any small individually wrapped candy is fine. No matter how small it is it will surely be appreciated by everyone. It definitely gives off a great first impression. I made sure to buy smaller candies for coworkers and I bought magnets and keychains for my supervisors, principals and vice principals.
Omiyage culture is very big in Japan and while it’s not mandatory, it’s highly appreciated.
Any small individually wrapped candy is fine. No matter how small it is it will surely be appreciated by everyone. It definitely gives off a great first impression. I made sure to buy smaller candies for coworkers and I bought magnets and keychains for my supervisors, principals and vice principals.
Omiyage culture is very big in Japan and while it’s not mandatory, it’s highly appreciated.
You can bring omiyage if you want to – the teachers in your school will appreciate you doing that and one piece of candy is enough – however you aren’t expected to bring anything along – the other problem is you don’t know exactly how many teachers you’ll be working with in your school(s)
My luggage was stuck into my un-ac’d new house for 4 days and all omiyage melted
Bringing omiyage is the biggest scam haha don’t bring anything, it’s not customary for someone they never met to be given things. You have no history working there, know no one there, don’t give omiyage. Save the space for things you need. When you travel within japan or internationally after starting work then please go ahead and buy omiyage. Plus, candy in the dreadful summer heat? Pass…it will melt or get extremely sticky from the humidity. My advice don’t bring anything as it’s not necessary.
I wouldn’t recommend bringing omiyage on first flight over. It is absolutely not expected for a new incoming person (even if they’re Japanese). Use the space for packing the things you need, then once you’re settled you can get everyone some cookies or something. Or if you ever visit your home while living in Japan you can bring some local treats back then.
If you absolutely have to bring something, then bring something that won’t melt or go bad quickly. Cookies, crackers (Cheez its are a huge hit if you’re from the US). Anything small or snacky is perfect. folks usually don’t want anything big cuz if they don’t like it then what are they supposed to do with it 😅?