From the Land of Rising Sun (Day Two) - What's in a smile!
I saw her, she was smiling.  It was not at me though, but her eyes were down, enough to suggest she had seen me first. I smiled at her but she did not lift her head, just hope she did notice me smile at her. We actually walk past each other, talking to the ones accompanying us post lunch. Alas, I saw her smile. Her smile, a smile I had longed for, a smile I was not sure of seeing again. But I did right on the first day in office.

 I saw her smile again, this time having the sweets I had gotten in the cafeteria. She was with the same folks she was walking earlier in the day. This time too she did not lift her head. But was smiling. May be she knew the sweets were from me and she enjoyed them or may she was just smiling at something else completely. What's in a smile. Oh well, there is lots in her smile.  

 Hope I talk to her once, just once.
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From the Land of Rising Sun - Day One
They call this the land of rising sun. The place where sun rises very early in the day through out the year. I call this the world of 'Sans'. San is a Japanese word for Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. which literally translates to the 'Ji' in Hindi. Its the Japanese tradition to add San after someones name to show respect. Shimura-san, Honda-san, June-san, etc.

 And this is the world of unwritten, strictly followed rules. People here brush thrice a day even be it while at work. Queues are automatically formed as if there is a orchestrator pushing one behind the other. Pin drop silence in elevators as if every paused their breath. People stand on the left side of an escalator, to let time constrained folks run past them on right. Lastly, and most importantly, there is not any sign of trash anywhere.

 And then you have levels. Levels of trust, friendship, respect, and for that matter even the bow they make when greeting has different levels measured by the bent angle. There is also a deep sense for perfection. If not perfect, its not complete and if not Japanese, its not perfect.

 Lastly, there is a strong hierarchal respect given to higher levels if at work or for elderly outside. Never say 'no' to your boss. Never question your boss.

 I am impressed. I am impressed at their politeness, at their humility and their respect for workmanship. Unfortunately, everything is mechanised. Time drives people here than vice versa. 

 Just wondering, don't these people get bored?


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