No list of terminology relating to shopping in Japan could be considered complete without inclusion of the term ‘zakka’ (雑貨).  The problem is, holding down ‘zakka’ (雑貨) to a complete and clear definition can prove somewhat tricky.  Even taken literally it’s frustratingly vague; 'various things', 'many things', 'a variety of things'.  Perhaps then we should dispense with linguistic nuance and take ‘zakka’ at its base simplicity - stuff!

Stuff that one may or may not need to fill any gaps left between the bigger stuff.  'Zakka' is that crass, novelty ashtray, and the Homer Simpson style cap that makes some kind of reference to fact the wearer enjoys drinking beer.  It’s a lovingly hand-crafted mug and an alternative chic set of matching soap / shampoo dispensers.  In fact, such are the vagaries of the term and the individual’s interpretation of it, the borders between that which is 'zakka' and that which isn’t can be appear somewhat fuzzy.  To the layman, at least.

Proponents of ‘zakka’, however are much clearer; 'Zakka' is a state of mind which attempts to infuse mundane, daily-life items with love, fun, and originality.  

Depending on one’s disposition toward shopping, three schools of thought about ‘zakka’ become apparent.  For the skeptic, ‘zakka’ will never be anything more than ‘stuff’.  It might be more expensive than that to be found in a 100 yen store.  It may even be of higher quality, but it remains ‘stuff’ nonetheless.  Then there are those who genuinely believe in ‘zakka’.  The proponents who take pleasure in finding, creating, and selling items which will inject a bit of life and personality into the otherwise mundane.  Finally, there are those who take it at its brutal practicality; a chance to fill or exploit the consumers desire to do just that, consume, even when it’s completely unnecessary.  

Whatever our interpretations and school of thought, there can be no doubt that ‘zakka’ is big business in Japan.  Even the hardest skeptic might find it hard to argue against the fact that when you need birthday presents or souvenirs to send back home but you’ve no idea what to get, ‘zakka’ is there for you.  "Yes, this may appear a mere soup dish, but actually, it reflects my personality and my relationship with you!".  Or something to that effect.

For information on Japan’s most popular ‘zakka’ resources, see the original article from expat ‘Tomuu’ at www.city-cost.com