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WHEN the serviceman heads Stateside he takes with him many mementos of Nippon. Ichi-ban (number one) on his souvenir list is a pair of chopsticks. Along with chinaware and silken pajamas, chopsticks are looked upon with wonder and delight by the folks at home. (Their favorite expression: "What the hell are these?")

But unless Statesiders are properly indoctrinated by the military traveler, they may not completely understand their purpose. They may attempt to use them for other things. His father or brother may use them to stir his highball. His mother or wife may attempt to use them as knitting needles. They'll discover that they'll stir a drink but they definitely won't knit a sweater.

And the serviceman discovers that the folks at home sometimes act in mighty strange ways. So desu. (That's right.)


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