Hi,
I'm meeting up with an older friend of mine in Japan soon, and he has reserved a spot at a restaurant for lunch. I feel a little bad because he always seems to pay for things like this when we have gotten together. But, at the same time, I have received awkward looks from others whenever I offer to pay for my part of whatever we are doing. I don't know if offering to split the bill is rude or not. Since I have known my friend for awhile, is there something I could say in Japanese to indirectly ask if it is ok to cover my part? Also, he is meeting me at a busy time, so could I say 「忙しい時にありがとうございます。」or something like that? I am bringing a gift for him which I know is very big in Japan.
Anyway, I appreciate the advice.
by katineko