Ciao! I'm Allie, an Italian from Veneto. I came to Japan, a country I adore, to study abroad, and now I've been working here for two years!
Every day, I'm busy meeting with Italian wineries to bring exceptional Italian wines to everyone in Japan.
Today, I'll be introducing items that I, having been born and raised in Italy, have loved since childhood.
7 Must-Have Items I Always Restock Every Time I Visit Italy
Living in Japan, I often think, "I can buy this in Japan too."
Nevertheless, every time I return to Italy, I inevitably find myself packing certain things into my suitcase.
They are not particularly expensive, nor are they something to boast about to others.
However, they are precious items that gently remind me of my Italian roots in various parts of my daily life: at the breakfast table, in the kitchen drawer, inside my bag, or during a casual moment on a tiring day.
This time, I'll be introducing the "Seven Italians in my Suitcase" that I, as an Italian, always bring back with me to Japan!
1. Miele Millefiori Biologico (Organic Millefiori Honey)
My family has always eaten this honey for as long as I can remember. It's our usual honey, a part of our daily life, bought from a small shop near our house.
However, as a child, I didn't associate it with anything particularly enjoyable. To me, it was "honey for when my throat hurt." My mother would give it to me with propolis when I wasn't feeling well. Back then, it felt more like "medicine to drink because it's good for you" rather than something to savor.
As I grew older, I realized I was wrong. I started eating it not only when I was sick, but also with ricotta cheese on bread in the morning, or mixed into yogurt. Gradually, eating it in these casual daily moments, it became one of the most familiar and comforting tastes for me.
When I return to Japan from Italy, I always make sure to bring at least one jar in my suitcase.
2. Dentifricio Marvis (Marvis Toothpaste)
Actually, I didn't use this since childhood.
A few years ago, I started seeing it in the supermarket near my parents' house, and gradually it became a staple for us.
And before I knew it, my father declared, "From now on, Marvis will be our family's toothpaste."
Since then, Marvis has naturally become the norm not only in my family home in Italy but also in my home in Japan.
What I love about it is the strong, refreshing mint sensation and its somewhat retro yet sophisticated design.
Although you can buy it in Japan, it's much more affordable in Italy, so I bring back 3-4 tubes every time I visit.
It's one of my favorite items, not just for myself, but also as a small gift for friends, which they always appreciate.
3. Sapone di Marsiglia (Marseille Soap)
I didn't really appreciate Marseille soap until I started living alone.
I'm sure it had been in my childhood home for a long time. But I think it was my mother, not me, who paid attention to using it.
This soap became an essential part of my daily life after I started living alone.
When I stained a T-shirt or didn't know how to wash a favorite piece of clothing, I'd call my mother, and she'd say, "Why don't you try Marseille soap?"
Since I started using it on her recommendation, it has become indispensable for stain removal and hand-washing delicate clothes.
I also love its simple and clean scent.
In Japan, there are many convenient detergents for every purpose. But for me, Marseille soap is like a small sense of security, making me think, "If I'm in trouble, I have this."
4. Kitchen Towels
My family home always had a lot of kitchen towels.
Simple ones, brightly colored ones, ones bought on trips, or ones given as gifts. Before I knew it, they were always arranged somewhere in the kitchen.
Their use wasn't limited to drying dishes.
They protected the table when placing hot pots, covered furniture to keep dust off, and sometimes even served as an interior accent.
In Italy, they are a presence that naturally blends into everyday life.
Perhaps because I grew up in such an environment, I too started picking up nice kitchen towels whenever I found them while traveling.
My favorite is one I found in Calabria.
With its vibrant colors and intricate illustrations, this towel reminds me of the bright sun of Southern Italy every time I see it.
Even when I use it in my home in Japan, just having this one towel makes the room feel a little more Italian.
5. Tempo Pocket Tissues
There's something I moved to Japan and surprisingly couldn't get used to.
That is, pocket tissues.
Japanese tissues are very soft and feel good on the skin, but sometimes I find them a bit too thin.
For me, who often blows my nose due to hay fever or allergies, the thick Italian tissues feel somehow more reassuring.
And I'm sure it's not just me.
My Italian friends living in Japan also invariably stock up on pocket tissues when they go back home.
The small empty spaces in their suitcases are quickly packed with Tempo.It's a scene that would likely make any Italian laugh and say, "Oh, that's so true."
6. Pocket Coffee
When I return to Japan from Italy, coffee is essential.
It's my usual habit to pack several bags of coffee brewed in a Moka pot into my suitcase.But, as someone with a sweet tooth, there's one more thing I always bring back.
That's "Pocket Coffee."
Since it's not commonly seen in Japan, let me explain a little: Pocket Coffee is an Italian confection where real espresso is encased in chocolate.
When you bite into it, rich, thick espresso overflows from inside, making you feel like you're enjoying an espresso at a small bar.
During work breaks or on a slightly tiring afternoon.
"Let's push through a little longer."
It's a small reward that gives me that feeling.
Recently, decaf versions have also appeared, making it easy to enjoy even at night.
When I have a stock at home, I can't help but reach for "just one more..." It's truly a favorite of mine.
7. Grandma's Small Tray
The last item I'll introduce is a bit of an extra.When I recently moved, my grandmother gave me a small tray.It's not particularly expensive.
But for me, it's a treasure as important as any of the items I've introduced today.
When I carry my morning coffee,when I brew espresso after a meal.
Every time I hold this tray, I remember my grandparents living in Italy.
That even though they live far away, they always care about me.
And I feel like this tray contains an unspoken message: "Even if you're in Japan, don't forget us."
Italy and Japan are very far apart.
Nevertheless, having just one of these small things in my life creates moments when I mysteriously feel my family close.
I suppose that's something that can't be measured by distance.
Text & Photos / Allie, the Italiana
Design / Alexander
The products introduced here are personal items that staff members have purchased and use as individual users. Therefore, we cannot answer inquiries about these products.
Some items are not for sale.
Product impressions and reviews are subjective opinions of the staff.
