Hot Omiyage?

Since I'm spending a month in Japan, I've been trying to come up with good ideas for omiyage for some friends in Japan, and I'm curious as to what's really 'in-demand' this year? I'm from northern California, and about the only nifty things I can think of bringing are the following:

1. Local beer (we've got some great local breweries; nothing up to Canadian standards, but better than average for American or Japanese beer).

2. Honey (we have a local honey shop that makes the most delicious, bee-fresh honey you have ever tasted).

3. Photos (I'm a semi-decent amateur photographer, so I'm doing a photojournalistic series of my home town and doing some 8x10 prints).

Any other ideas?

I do not know if there are such in Northern California, but here in British Columbia salmon is the perfect souvenir. They usually have it packaged just for souvenirs.....I went to France for exchange a few years ago and bought a salmon fillet with nice ribbons and such to my billet family...they loved it very much!

Hope this is helpful...

^_^

Local specialties like the honey and salmon that have already been mentioned are always appreciated. Japanese love trying new things, especially food products they may not normally be able to acquire at their local grocer. I like your idea of a mini-album too, i'm sure that would go over really well. Just remember, it doesn't matter how big, flashy, or expensive your souvenir is as long as it's given with sincerity. Whatever you eventually decide on, i'm sure your friends will appreciate it. Have a great trip!

for women? perfume and/or magazines that they cannot get in japan (beyonce's true star)
for the men? the sports illustrated gift set, which is on clearance at best buy for $6.99
search the forum for other suggestions? this as been posted before, btw
good luck