Parting gifts

During our final week in Japan we had to say a lot of goodbyes, but we also got the chance to share gifts and thank you’s (arigatōgosaimas’s) to all of the people we met during our time here.

A group of my friends and I did a “favorite (Japanese) things” exchange where we brought a gift to trade. I brought some individual pour-over coffee packets (they come with their own paperboard handles that attach to the top of the mug), and a Japanese tea towel. And I went home with a piece of locally made pottery!

For my last Japanese language class I made an apple pie (using up the last of the flour and butter, hand rolled with a cylindrical travel mug!) I’ve been baking apple pie since I was a kid and it’s so American, so I thought it would be good to share with people who have shared some much of their culture with me. I think my teachers enjoyed it, but they wouldn’t tell me otherwise 😅

In return, I received a calligraphy set from one of my teachers and a kakejiku (hanging scroll) from my other teacher. I was so surprised to receive gifts from them, but I suppose I have been their most consistent students for the past 2 years! (Sadly, I had to look up the polite way to write ‘thank you for teaching me’, and ‘farewell’ for their cards.)

For another Japanese friend I gifted a collection of hot sauces that are not available in Japanese stores (Cholula, Frank’s Red Hot, and Sriracha). She was very excited to try them - I told her they were for tacos, chicken, and rice, respectively.

We also gave out tiny bottles of maple syrup from my hometown (thanks to my dad for sending them!) to teachers, co-workers, and friends.

E got lots of patches and coins (custom military medallions exchanged to show camaraderie)…

He also received a very formal thank you, from a Rear Admiral in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (Japan’s Navy).

The award was entitled kanshanoji (“words of gratitude”/letter of appreciation) and included the sentiments: “you have dedicated yourself to deepen Japan-U.S. cooperation with your outstanding leadership and extensive experience. You have also greatly contributed to the improvement of our nation's security environment by providing immense support to the activities of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.”

E and the Rear Admiral

And someone gave him a spoon shaped like a shovel, so that was pretty awesome too!

Time to squeeze all of our treasures into our suitcases and make our way back to our homeland! My heart is breaking to close this chapter of our lives, but we will definitely cherish the memories (and gifts) forever!