Got some fancy apples in the mail, a
gift from relatives a little farther north. This fancy, seasonal fruit
gift is the latest iteration in a perpetual gift giving loop.
When given a gift, most people in Japan will feel obligated to return the favor. I like the custom and feel that it encourages sharing. When I opened the gift, I thought "who can I share this with and who do I owe I gift". I know it will come back around, and that can be more valuable then keeping the gift(or surplus) for yourself.