Japan is a culture where relationships are oiled with presents. Though the custom is weakening a bit, it's still common for wrapped presents to be offered on certain occasions. When people travel, they often bring "souvenirs" back for their coworkers and other contacts in their lives. There are also summer and winter (ochugen and oseibo) gift giving seasons. Additionally, students are inclined to give their teachers gifts upon the successful completion of a goal, end of the year, or beginning of the year. Sometimes the gifts are big and sometimes quite small, but it's always nice to receive a surprise that is meant to strengthen the bonds of a relationship or express a feeling.
I'll miss the gift giving culture in Japan.
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