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| Gifts from home (Omiyage) The tradition of omiyage in Japan literally baffles most westerners. After consulting with the Japanese staff here in the Board of Education about what is expected in Sendai, the consensus was that the best gift you could ever bring is a smiling face and enthusiasm towards your work and life in Japan. Our collective experiences have proven that the gift itself really doesn't matter. Those who received a box of chocolates from home countries were just as excited and grateful as the ones who received personalized items and souvenirs, if not more so. So don't worry about omiyage. If you really want to bring something, it should be small. Postcards from your home country or food items are always a big hit. Note: Gift wrap is something you can buy here after you arrive. It would be appropriate to give the gift on the day you are introduced to the entire staff. Handing out omiyage is not necessary the first day you arrive |