EY Y04 L04 Souvenirs

  1. There are many popular items you can buy as souvenirs from places around Japan. Name one. What part of Japan do people usually associate this with?
  2. What is the most popular souvenir to give from your hometown, region or prefecture?
  3. There are many popular items you can buy as souvenirs from places outside of Japan. Name one. What part of the world do people usually associate this with?
  4. Tell us about the last souvenir you bought for someone. Who was it for? Where was it from? How much did it cost? Why did you choose it?
  5. Tell us about the last souvenir that someone gave you. Who was it from? Where was it from? Do you still have it?
  6. What is the worst souvenir you have ever bought for yourself, for another person or received? Why was it so bad?

Question 1

I think the most popular souvenirs are green tea flavored sweets from Kyoto or Tokyo banana cakes from Tokyo. Personally, I enjoy souvenirs that commemorate the anniversary of a place, like the 1300th anniversary of Nara Heijo-kyo capital. In 2010 I visited Nara city and bought some items like a towel and a magnet featuring the anniversary logo and Sentokun, Nara's mascot. I still have them.

Question 2

In my hometown, Ponca City, we didn't really have souvenirs, I think. If I had to choose something it would be Head Country BBQ sauce. It is from my hometown and is popular countrywide.

Question 3

We can find souvenirs almost anywhere, but I enjoy collecting Starbucks mugs from different places. I like to buy one from the city or country I'm visiting. My favorite one is from Wales. It has a dragon on it.

Question 4

I haven't been sightseeing since before coronavirus started, so it has been several years since I bought a souvenir for someone. The last time I visited the US I bought some Pokemon goods that were only released outside of Japan for a Japanese friend who collects ghost type Pokemon goods. I spent about $50. I chose those items because she is my good friend and we are both collectors.

Question 5

I really can't remember, but I always keep gifts people give me. I actually have too many things in my house now. I personally prefer handmade items or cards. Postcards are also a favorite. I like to hang them on my fridge.

Question 6

The worst things I have been given were probably sent here from my mom. She really enjoys giving gifts, but she doesn't really think about their usefulness before buying them. Sometimes she sends me a lot of cheap things that I will never use, so I feel bad if I throw them away. I am happy that she is thinking about me, but I tried many times to convince her not to send any more presents. It's always a mix of emotions.

Tough Vocabulary