Expressing thanks is a big part of Japanese culture. The exchange of gifts as omiyage, or for services rendered, or just to get on somebody’s good side is essential in Japan. Since I’m living here I do my share of gift giving and receiving. The protocol is sometimes tricky.
For example, several years ago I brought in some tacos for a teacher at Takasago Minami. She was really happy, and several days later she brought in some food for me. I said thanks, but I got the sense that she brought in the food out of a sense of obligation – I brought in food so now she had to do it.
The day before the Hawaii trip I received some coffee from the family of one of my students as a mid-year gift. I didn’t have time until I got back from the trip to write a thank you note, but once I got home I sent one home with her son. She then sent me a message thanking me for the thank you note, and now I’m sitting here wondering if I should send her a message back saying “It was nothing, thank you”. Hmm…
Sometimes people get in this cycles of gift exchanges that they can’t get out of. Kuniko advised me that in this situation, it’s best to lower the size/value of the gifts gradually until someone stops giving. Otherwise, it’s just back and forth, back and forth – each party under obligation to reciprocate the gift.
It is Friday, and I’m getting ready to go into work. The end of this week has been pretty good, but I’ve been tired every day thanks to the anti-itch drugs. I decided today to stop taking them and see if the itch comes back. I hate walking around tired all the time.
Kuniko and I are going to meet Antoine and maybe Miwako for Mexican food in Kobe. Everyone is craving tacos, so we’ll meet up and catch up over beans and rice.
