SOCIAL distancing during the pandemic has left many craving human connection, particularly in Japan where parents of newborns have come up with a unique solution for relatives who are unable to visit and meet their new babies.
Instead, they are sending so-called "rice-babies" - specially created bags of rice which weigh the same amount as the infants when they came out of the womb.
The creative initiative is the brainchild of Naruo Ono, the owner of the Kome no Zoto Yoshimiya rice shop.
They're called "Hugging Gokochi" (pictured) and described as "a swaddle-shaped rice bag with a birth weight that is recommended for celebrations during childbirth".
The Guardian reports there's also a version suggested for weddings, where rice bags representing the bride and groom are sent to invitees.
Demand has surged in recent months due to pandemic related lockdowns which have restricted people's ability to attend the celebrations.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 11 Aug 21
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