✨IddytheImp's Bangya Diaries pt.4 ✨
I was thinking about some things to talk about and I've decided, to talk about gifts! Especially since it was my honmei and oshi's bday event last week.
What are gifts?
Well, they're presents lol
Actually, in Japanese, giving such gifts at concerts that are not birthday events is called 差し入れ (sashiire)! It is a way of saying thank you for your hard work/extra effort. If you work in Japan, you sometimes get little treats for working over time or some sort of refreshments during a work event(at least at the school I used to work at).
The reason why I wanted to talk about gifts is because some people might not know the rules when it comes to gift giving at concerts.
First things first, check if bands allow gifts! Usually, there's at least an announcement about gifts. Some bands do NOT allow gifts, so check ahead of time if there is rules about gift giving (usually on their website). If they do allow gifts, be aware of the following;
❌Do NOT gift baked/cooked goods. This is honestly just for safety. If you want to give food, make sure that it is in its own packaging.
❌Do NOT gift cash. This is because it might be seen as mitsu(which is where a fan gives a bandmember money, usually for dates/hook ups. I don't know much about mitsu because I AVOID it but you can find someone who goes into depth about it). You can give gift cards, but I've heard some people say it's just like giving cash so I steer clear of that.
Second, rules are different depending on the events and the bands! For example, at some events, such as birthday events, there usually is a gift box at the entrance because they expect a lot of people giving gifts or they just want to take the presents right away so there's no luggage on the floor. This means that you can't give your gifts directly to the band member. Some bands have rules against giving gifts directly to band members and must be given to staff first, so, please check the rules as each band is different. Also, for taiban(where multiple bands play at one event), you usually have to give your gift to the band's staff because some bands do not do photo sessions or they do not go to their merch table so you can't give your gift directly.
📝Note📝 I always give my gifts to the staff anyways because I feel awkward giving presents directly to people. Plus, even though I know gifts are allowed, I always ask if presents are okay because maybe my honmei or whoever I'm giving the gift to has a tight schedule and won't be able to receive it right away.
Third, WRITE THE BAND MEMBER'S NAME ON IT! That way the staff knows who to give it to. Even if the gift is color coded for the band member, writing the band member's name will avoid any confusion, especially if the band is performing at a taiban and the staff isn't familiar with them.
Fourth, you should write your name on it! I say this because I usually write my name on my gift anyways, but one time I didn't and one staff who I never met before was worried about it because she wanted me to receive credit for it (I didn't have the heart to tell her I am usually the only one giving gifts lol). But, it also helps the bandman know who gets it and they might thank you for it later at a photo session.
Fifth, don't go crazy! Spend within your limits! I say this because sometimes...they don't wear or use your gifts! So, if you give an expensive gift, you might set yourself up for disappointment. Tbh, that's why giving snacks is better because you'll never know if they ate it or not LOL
⭐Tip⭐ Don't feel pressured to give an expensive gift even if you see other fans give expensive gifts. Because as I mentioned, they might not wear it or use it! Plus, you could use that money to buy merch that directly supports the bandmember instead of a necklace or watch that won't be worn(or be given to someone they know lol).
Sixth, pay attention to what they like and any allergies they might have! It might be tempting to gift them some special chocolate from your city, however, if the band member doesn't like chocolate, they won't eat it or they won't enjoy it. For example, I like to give treats from my travels, however my honmei posted once that he is not a huge fan of sweets, so I usually give salty or different flavored snacks, with the occasional somewhat sweet snack. They also might not be too happy being gifted things they dislike, so it's best to find what they like and gift accordingly.
⭐Tip⭐ Also, if they smoke cigarettes, pay attention to the flavors since smokers generally have a favorite flavor. If you're lucky, it's listed on their profile on their website, if not, then you can try to look at old social media posts or even ask them if they do a Q'n'A on instagram lol
Seventh, fanart/handmade goods! Feel free to just draw fanart or create something to give. Some bandmen really like handmade goods, and some also really like fanart. Tbh I often gift fanart when I do not have time to go to the store to buy a gift, and I have received compliments on it.
Eighth, when in doubt...write a letter! Band members love letters (well, most of them lol)! Usually, when they post all the gifts they receive at a birthday live, the letters are also displayed because letters truly are a great present :D
⭐Tip⭐ BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU ARE TRANSLATING YOUR LETTER! If you're not afraid of sharing your interests/the contents of the letter, I'd highly recommend asking someone to help translate the letter so you don't sound rude. Ideally, it's best to use polite language unless you have talked a lot during photo sessions and don't use polite language with each other(although tbh, I do sometimes use polite form anyways to emphasize my message lol)
Eighth, if you're truly struggling with a present...your presence is a present lol But seriously! Just going to concerts to support your favorite band/bandmember is already good enough! Don't feel pressured to give gifts or write letters! Plus, if you buy merch/cheki, that's already a present for them since they get to make money lol