The 2nd term has started and all are already looking forward for the 5-day bank holiday coming in mid-September. But one thing you’ll notice is the array of souvenirs (sweets or snacks) at your school. おみあげ omiage is a must if you’re Japanese, or even if you’re not, J-peeps will appreciate it immensely. They are usually sweets or snacks (or anything edible) from the place you spent your holiday. Even if you stayed at home, a local omiage would be available. So there's no excuse in getting one. It comes in different forms of Japanese sweets or snacks and some towns and cities are actually famous for their own original souvenirs like unagi pie in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Gift giving is certainly the norm here and sometimes it's a great icebreaker for some colleagues that you don’t usually talk to. I brought in some Scottish shortcake the last time when my mum paid us a visit in Golden Week and my work absolutely love it. It might be a bit of a hassle or waste your precious holiday time but I can assure you that it’s all worth it. It’s a good sign of appreciation within the workforce and builds teamwork. Also, your state of popularity will be a high.
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