What are some good gifts for Japanese families? Also, are there any cultural taboos that I should be particularly sure to avoid breaking while staying in Japan? [more inside]
posted by bassooner on May 3, 2009 - 23 answers

I need a gift idea for my late 20's brother living in Japan, but going to be receiving the gift in Toronto. ~$50. MUST be something 'useful'. I refuse to give gifts where the receiver will say 'great, what am I supposed to do with this thing now'. [more inside]
posted by dino terror on Nov 5, 2008 - 9 answers

What is a good gift for someone who will be moving to Japan for four months? [more inside]
posted by pammo on Dec 5, 2007 - 15 answers

Can anyone recommend any martial arts learning opportunities (camps, workshops, lessons, etc) in Asia that an 18 year old would enjoy? My nephew in the US is a karate brown belt and he would like to travel to Asia when he graduates from high school this year. I am trying to help him find some interesting travel opportunities which relate to karate. He loves karate and has been searching for something to do in Japan or India for Summer 2008 but we haven't found anything yet. Thanks for any tips.
posted by RoadTripPlanner on Sep 25, 2007 - 6 answers

Calling all kids and kids at heart... what kind of souvenir would you want from Japan? [more inside]
posted by QueSeraSera on Jun 27, 2006 - 42 answers

At a local traditional Japanese restaurant a while ago, the server brought a little fabric ball with a bell on a string with our check where you'd usually expect mints. She made it clear that it was for us to take, but we didn't learn anything more about it, and now I'm wondering if there's any symbolism, meaning or tradition behind it. There's a picture and [more inside]
posted by mendel on May 20, 2006 - 3 answers

Holiday phrase book: As a leaving present for a girl travelling to Fiji, Singapore, Japan, and the Philipines, I want to make a book containing some useful phrases. Anyone help me translate them into the languages, or suggest more phases? (MI) [more inside]
posted by Pericles on Oct 28, 2004 - 3 answers

What should I have my friend bring back for me from Japan? [mi] [more inside]
posted by codger on Jun 3, 2004 - 37 answers