With a record number of tourists visiting Japan from abroad, items they take back home are diversifying from home appliances, watches and other "conventional" Japanese souvenirs.
Leben Co., an ear pick-maker in Yokohama, has seen a steep increase in sales over the past five years or so due to brisk purchases by tourists from Asian countries such as China, South Korea and Malaysia, company officials said.
While Leben produces various kinds of ear picks, products priced at more than ¥2,000, such as those with soft wires at the tip, are popular among tourists.