I just received Karin go bowls from Kuroki, and both the inside and the outside are sticky, it feels like with sap. Is this normal? What is to be done about it? And once the sticky sap problem is dealt with, am I better off leaving the stones in the bags they came in for long periods of time, or in the bowls for long periods of time?

Sticky does not sound normal. You should email Mr. Kuroki and ask him.
The stones are meant to be stored in the (normal, non-sticky) bowls for long periods of time.

Yes - they're fine in the bowls (although the bags/boxes Mr. Kuroki uses are very pretty).

Here was his reply; I'm not sure if he completely understood: does what he said sound like a reasonable thing to do to you all? Thanks!

Dear Mr Stout
Anyway though I do not understand the situation well.
Please wipe the karin bowls several times with a dry cloth. Still, please contact me when you cannot take the sticky paste.
I am sorry making you take time.

Sincerelu yours
KurokiGoishiten
H,Kuroki

I'm not sure, but it sounds like he is just asking whether you can wipe it off.

I'm curious--if you use a tissue or paper towel to wipe them, do fibers stick to the bowl? Does it make your fingers feels sticky? Or is it just a tacky feeling?

I have no expertise--just idle curiosity.

Mr. Kuroki's message asks you to try to wipe the bowls repeatedly with a dry cloth. Clearly he is wanting you to try to wipe or polish off whatever is on the bowls. I suppose it could be some kind of wax that a little rubbing would remove. He does say that if that doesn't work he wants you to let him know. Is it something you can show in a photograph? That might help him decide what to do. I would not put the stones in the bowls until this situation is resolved.