Rare Currency

We’re a little over halfway through a monthlong trip through Japan, and I’m almost out of a precious commodity that I’ve been spending profligately: See’s lollipops.

I was delighted when researching this trip ahead of time, I read that Japanese people love See’s candy. While it can be purchased in Tokyo at one store, it is apparently wildly expensive.

So I stuffed a box of 40 assorted lollipops in my suitcase and have dispensed them along the way — to the man in the train station who, with a grand sweep of his arms and a ceremonious bow, directed me to the correct turnstile, the servers of fish and pickled vegetable breakfasts, the taxi driver who ferried us to Tokyo Station in his spotless, quiet cab, the bell captain who arranged for our luggage to be sent ahead from Osaka to Hiroshima so we didn’t have to schlep suitcases on the train.

Each time I’ve proffered a lollipop with my thanks to these and other people, I’m met with laughter. The Japanese people we’ve encountered have been very serious, formal, and unfailingly polite. I’ll trust that the laughter comes from surprise and delight and not nervousness about a daft old lady handing out candy.

I have only four lollipops left and haven’t decided whether I’ll spend them quickly or mete them out carefully over the next 12 days. Once they’re gone, expressing my gratitude with a mere “arigato” won’t be nearly as much fun.