What would be an appropriate thank-you for a Japanese grandmother?

Question

My sister-in-law's grandmother, who lives in Japan, recently sent some very nice gifts to our family. In a previous Yahoo! Answers question, I learned that it would be appropriate to send her a gift as a thank-you. What do you think an elderly Japanese woman would like to receive as a gift from the United States?

Answer 1

In Japan - the wrapping of the gift is as important as the gift itself. So I think I would send a small pretty cut crystal candy dish - with some exquisite high-end candy inside, wrapped in beautiful paper, along with a nice thank you note.

Or - a really pretty box of stationary or blank note cards placed inside a pretty box and wrapped nicely would be great too.

Answer 2

Based on my knowledge of Japanese culture, I would say that an older Japanese person would be very much appreciative of anything that affirmed their honored place in society.

Any artwork that contains a crane or tortoise would be appropriate, as these are both symbols of longevity in Japanese culture.

You can also send her something that you think would be treasured in Japan that also is a symbol of America/American culture. Perhaps an American cut of meat would be good (they are very appreciative of American meats); also good would be any jewelry or other artwork or adornments that you think she would enjoy (you may know her tastes) that represents America in a positive way (perhaps a famous American artist's work, popular art from an earlier time period in American art history [Art Deco] etc.).

Also, sending fresh fruit (perhaps something exotic that she may not be able to get in Japan, or that may be prohibitively expensive) is a very traditional gift that symbolizes your goodwill and your sincere wishes for her health and well-being. (Traditionally, oranges/tangerines are sent as wishes for a bright, healthy year.)

In addition to this, send a picture or picture album of your family with a note written in Japanese thanking her and wishing her good health and long life, and the hope that both of you will continue to be friends for a long time. Make it a very beautiful arrangement with a tasteful card of thanks.

Answer 3

(moshi-moshi is just what they say when answering a telephone, it has no transliteral meaning in English)

"Arigato-- Gozaimas'" is the formal respectful version of Thank you (very much). you can do some origami (art of paper folding). it's a Japanese art, & she'll acknowledge that U recognized her heritage & custom, & that U took the effort to compliment her culture.

write her family name in Kanji- Japanese characters. learning Kanji has a certain discipline & she'll be impressed that you would attempt to learn, to compliment her.

also Japanese are fans of American Baseball. so U could give her something "baseball." find out what her favorite team (Japanese team) would be. they are also fans of authentic Disney memorabilia. U can personalize it by writing her name on it.

if anything, or no matter what U get, make it personal.

gambatte' kudasai= good luck/ do your best.

Answer 4

Send her a Thank-you note with $100 US inside.

Answer 5

I'm inclined to say you can't go wrong with candy. If you know a kind of candy that is rare/unavailible in Japan, that would be extra well.

Answer 6

the place does she(grandmother)stay.of course your parent/s are jap.could'nt your parent/s have the potential to lead you,possibly in case you reside in diverse cultures an suited greeting card (present voucher or funds)enclosed could be sufficient.i comprehend that's way less personable,My spouse gets on occasion present vouchers, and he or she consistently says so-and-so gave me this.of direction in case you all stay jointly you may upload the your specific touch.

Answer 7

ohaiyo gozaimasu, drshorty-san! :) hmm...you could ask your sis-in-law what her grandmother likes, then send her (the grandmother) a related gift... you could always write a nice haiku, too, in a card... ;) may i suggest reading some Basho (for inspiration)... he writes some very nice nature poems and such... :)

Answer 8

spin kick in the belly

Answer 9

moo shoo pork. and fortune cookie

Answer 10

moshi-moshi