Souvenir

I have found a nice gadget to give out as a souvenir to drivers that would have given me a lift – a multifunctional pocket knife. Is there anything in the Japanese superstition sky that tells against it?

Knives of a certain blade length are illegal in Japan. Carrying one Swiss Army knife might be ok (not in your carry-on bag, though). Packing a bunch of them might raise suspicions at customs.

not sure about the japanese. but dont ever give a knife to a chinese. they think this it is supersitious.

Knives are an unlucky gift in Japan, too. Though whether or not the individual holds to this superstition... Other small gifts I've seen people hand out were small national flag pins, postcards, and stickers. Do you intend to give these to taxi drivers, or are you planing on hitching?

A souvenir to a taxi driver!!??… They usually keep change, don’t they :-). You are the first one who have some doubts; are there more such ones?

In lots of cultures, giving knives is considered unlucky. I would not suggest this as a practical gift since many superstitious people believe that giving a knife severs the relationship. Don't be surprised if you do decide to give a knife and the recipient gives you a small coin in exchange.

Ruth