Reverence
by Jenny Disini

Whilst searching for the Kinokuniya bookstore in Shinjuku, I chanced upon two employees of the Takashimaya department store leaving for the day. One was a man in a blue coverall and the other was a saleslady in her uniform blazer. Both were about 30 years old.

They were facing the sales floor, at that time still crowded with shoppers. In the midst of all this chaotic bustle, they bowed slowly and gracefully, before leaving for the day.

It was so solemn, it seemed as if they were before the emperor himself.

Maybe reverence isn't just for the dojo. Or the emperor.