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In Japan, a popular souvenir is mimikaki (耳かき) - a pick for cleaning the ears. They often come in decorative packaging, and have little trinkets dangling from the handle (e.g. a tiny wooden shoe). My understanding is that people buy them to give to their relatives.

My question is: is this a serious gift, or is it supposed to be funny? And is it common to give them to friends and teachers too?

z0r
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1 Answers1

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I can't say if it is a common gift to give to your teacher, at least I would not do, but mimikaki is a perfectly fine gift if it is decorative enough. There's nothing funny or shy about it, this is what it is. Cleaning ears to your loved ones is a way to express your affection in Japan and mimikaki work there like nothing else.

Rilakkuma
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