When you move apartment or house in Japan it is custom to give a gift to the neighbours. This is especially important if you have a baby! The meaning of the gift is to apologise in advance for any disturbances you may cause, the chances of which are probably increased if you have a crying baby or a toddler that runs around on the floorboards or talks loudly outside on the balcony or in the corridor:-) A common present is a box of washing powder -- a practical and consumable product. It is not necessary to buy anything expensive -- a budget of 500-1000yen per household is sufficient. If you are moving into an apartment, it is custom to give a gift to the neighbours on either side, as well as those above and below your apartment. This video shows the washing powder I bought for our neighbours this weekend. Brought to you by Tokyo Urban Baby www.tokyourbanbaby.com
