A language is a living expression of the thoughts and minds of the people speaking it, and as such, each has different unique features to suit its users. English is good at expressing concrete ideas in a direct manner, while I imagine French is excellent at expressing l’amour in the most beautiful way possible. One thing the Japanese language does especially well is apologizing, and there is a rich and complex body of language for asking forgiveness in variation situations, from casual gomen ne to a friend to expressing deep regret in a formal situation. Two days ago an empty fuel tank fell from a Japanese F-15 fighter jet into a residential area, causing the grounding of the fleet while the cause is investigated. While no one was hurt in the incident, the top brass from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force wasted no time in visiting the residents in the area to personally apologize for endangering them in any way. Watching on TV, I was quite impressed at the apparent sincerity of the Japanese military.
Japan is so polite, even the construction signt bow to you.
