(She spent half of her life in Japan). Before you take the gesture as an insult, remember that Japan is a culture that does not tip. This may be a case of "When in Rome, do as the Romans do". I consider it a very sweet act. The fact that you were given a gratuity is a sincere gesture of thanks for your services.

Its exchange value here in Japan is just enough to buy a soda from a vending machine. So, the "tip" could be their idea of a joke.

They use white "O-rei bukuro", like these, for monetary gifts:

https://www.google.co.jp/search?q=%E3%81%8A%E7%A4%BC%E8%A2%8B&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&hl=ja

scan the Japanese text and I'll show it to her and ask

If anyone here knows the significance, it's her.

Last edited Fri Aug 21, 2015, 10:14 AM - Edit history (1)

There are only three scenarios I can come up with.
1. A mistake. A young new employee of the company was sent to the bank and mistook 1.00 for 100.00.
2. A joke. Perhaps you loaned one of the production crew a dollar and you don't remember.
3. An insult. You offended someone somehow and of course they didn't say anything at the time and now you're supposed to spend sleepless night obsessing about it.

There is no other explanation.

I spoke to a few coworkers familiar with Japanese customs and it appears to be an appreciative good luck and good fortune gesture.

I had attended the gala reception after the event's premiere on Friday and I was extensively thanked and bowed to I don't think they are telling me to GFY.

That is not a Japanese custom. It just isn't.

But a measly dollar bill-- the equivalent of one canned drink from a Japanese vending machine-- seems way too cheap for an "o-rei" from a production company.

I'm starting to think like my Japanese mother-in-law and she'd be horrified by this. Why not just spit on them and throw a coin in the gutter for them to fish out. Really weird.

And they know the value of our money.

I'm going with the 'luck' idea: This is a token that they paid you for your service and somehow that recognition brings luck on both sides.