Manners 101

Did you ever wonder where the impression that the Japanese are a polite people came from? Here’s a few thoughts.

At the beginning of club practices, students bow and say in unison “Hello” as well as the equivalent of “we look forward to learning from you” to their respective coaches. Additionally if at any time during the practice a teacher enters the gym, all students stop whatever they are doing (be it a practice drill or a game) and, once again in unison, say “hello.” It may help to note that the ping pong, boys and girls basketball, and girls (there is no boys as a rule) volleyball teams all practice in the same standard size, 2 court gym at the same time. That’s a lot of hellos!

At the end of practice, again in unison the students chant “Thank you very much” and “goodbye” to their coach. But here’s the kicker... they say thanks and goodbye to the court as well! Yeah they line up on the very edge just off the court and “thank you very much” and “goodbye” once again. P O L I T E. nuff said.