My Brother Traveled to Japan July 25
My brother recently took a business trip to Japan. He was told that it’s customary in that country to give small gifts to those you meet. The Japanese present visitors with gifts, and it’s considered rude not to return in kind. A friend of mine had the same experience when she spent a semester studying in Japan.
The gifts the Japanese hosts give are not terribly costly or large, but they are usually uniquely Japanese. So, the debate began. What should my brother take along with him to give as gifts to his hosts? It needed to be something small, packable, and something that could not easily be broken. To be in keeping with the tradition, it would also be helpful if it was something uniquely American or Midwestern (where he is from).
In the end, he ended up taking some hard candies that are hand-made in a local candy factory. They are beautiful creations in many flavors and colors! Also, his father-in-law grows and packages sunflower seeds. Since the Midwest is known for growing things, he took some of these delicious seeds along as well.
His trip was a wonderful experience, and he is planning on going again next year. I wonder what gift ideas he will come up with for his next trip?