It's Just Different Here .... in Japan that is

I had a sudden memory today of something I saw a few weeks back now. I was waiting for my morning train at my local train station, Unga, and noticed on the other side, a woman with her elderly mother who was in a wheelchair. They were waiting at the far end of the platform, just opposite me, at the wheelchair access ramp.

Waiting with them was one of the oshiya, or station workers. i love these guys. they're always dressed impeccably; crisp blue shirts, police style hats, often white gloved and always looking as if their job is the most important thing in the world. It seems that people really respect all kind of worker here; train station workers, bus drivers etc.

I don't know in which way, but it kind of feels like people who work in these positions in Japan are more involved in the beauracratic and regulatory / safety aspect of what they do, than say, in New Zealand where bus drivers have a slightly disinherited manner.

Anyway, this oshiya stood with the elderly woman and her daughter, waiting to assist them onto the train. as they waited he talked to them both, but I feel mainly with a focus on the older of the two - although it didnt seem that he felt obliged, or that the conversation was forced. It just seemed that he would never ever consider NOT talking to her. he was holding one of those orange safety batton things and with it he was pointing to various places around the station and on the tracks, possibly explaining the finer art of train conductoring (i know i made that word up) or maybe even some recent and exciting train station event. who knows.

The two women were thoroughly engrossed, especially the older woman. What struck me was how gently, respectfully and easily he spoke to her, obviously seeing the value in her presence. I love this about Japan. People are so so kind to one another. I see this in my class everyday, and in my mixed level english chat sessions. More fluent students are kind and patient with those whose level is lower or those who struggle. And in my main class students are so respectfully interested in one another. Its so lovely. Japan is a kind and gentle country.