Sathappan Narayanan
Last month, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Japan as part of a tour group consisting of 34 members. Japan, with its rich culture, breathtaking scenery, and unparalleled cleanliness, is a destination that had long been on my travel list. While the entire journey was filled with unforgettable moments, one simple yet profound incident at a bus terminus left a lasting impression on me—a moment that taught me more about humility, discipline, and gratitude.
It was a pleasantly cool day as our group arrived at a local bus terminus. There was no one waiting for the bus we supposed to board. As is customary in Japan, we formed an orderly queue for the incoming bus.
As we waited, a Japanese mother arrived with her two young school-going children. She walked up to the queue and, without saying a word, made her way to the very end of the line. Her quiet demeanour, combined with the two children in tow, immediately caught our attention. Moved by a collective sense of courtesy and concern, we began to invite her to come to the front of the line. We explained, through gestures and simple English, that since she had children with her, she could take our place. However, she politely refused, shaking her head and smiling gently. In her eyes, arriving late meant she had no right to jump the line, regardless of her circumstances. It was not just about rules; it was a matter of principle for her.
Despite our repeated and sincere requests, she remained firm initially. But after many of us insisted, she eventually agreed—reluctantly—and stepped forward with her children. What happened next, however, was the true highlight of the encounter.
As soon as they moved up the line, the mother and her children turned around to face all of us. In perfect unison, they bowed deeply and thanked us multiple times. It wasn’t a quick, casual gesture. It was sincere, heartfelt, and repeated several times. The children followed their mother’s lead, bowing with a level of grace and respect that was both touching and humbling.
This simple exchange moved us all. It wasn’t about letting someone go ahead in line—it was about the values that underpin everyday life in Japan. The mother’s initial refusal reflected a deep-rooted cultural respect for fairness and order. Her children mirrored her behaviour with effortless discipline, showing that such values are not just taught but lived. And when they did accept our gesture, they expressed gratitude in a way that made us feel honoured, not inconvenienced.
That moment at the bus terminus became a defining experience of our trip. It was a powerful reminder that true courtesy isn’t about grand gestures but about small, everyday actions guided by respect for others. In many places, rushing to the front with children might be expected or even demanded. But in Japan, even a mother with young kids felt it inappropriate to claim a right she hadn’t earned.
Travel, at its best, opens our eyes to new ways of thinking and living. That day, I didn’t just witness Japanese culture—I experienced it. And in doing so, I brought back more than photos and souvenirs. I returned with a quiet lesson in humility, discipline, and the kind of respect that transcends language.
It’s these small, human moments that often define a journey—and this one, I’ll carry with me always