Gifts for Gifts

The Japanese culture is big on gift giving. Omiyage are one example and as an American it is pretty easy for me to understand bringing back souvenirs when you travel. This example is a bit more extreme. I mentioned in my entry about W-san's wedding that I went in on a gift and also received some favors at the party. Last week W-san brought over a wrapped package and explained that is was a Thank You gift for giving him a wedding gift and that the same gift was being given to the other girls whom I purchased the gift with. Seriously?
It turned out to be washcloths, which in Japan are to be used as handkerchiefs. They will come in handy for mopping up sweat given the current weather.