From Trade to Treats: A Story Beyond Business

In my day job, I work in international trade. I help products move across borders, from Japan to many corners of the world. It’s work I love—but every now and then, something happens that reminds me trade isn’t just about goods. It’s about people.

The other day, I received a sweet surprise from a customer in Korea: a “tofu snack.” It wasn’t part of a contract or a transaction. It was part of a gift exchange. I had sent her some Japanese sweets just to share a little piece of where I’m from, and she responded with a taste of her own culture.

And just like that, our business relationship became something more—something warmer. We’re no longer just trading products; we’re trading stories, flavors, memories.

We weren’t thinking about buying or selling. We were simply enjoying each other’s culture. A little gesture. A little kindness. A little joy tucked into a box of snacks.

These are the quiet, human moments that remind me why I love what I do.

Business can be professional, yes—but it can also be personal, meaningful, and even a little bit sweet.

Yuko