Bowing in Japan is a fundamental gesture of respect, gratitude, and apology, ranging from a slight nod to a deep, 45-degree, formal bend. I saw this Japanese neighborhood traffic control volunteer in the morning that day. He was busy controlling the traffic at the back alleys where there was no traffic light. I was touched by him when I saw him bowing down to the female cyclist after he asked her to stop earlier to make way for other traffic. He was being apologetic for making her stop earlier, hence the head bow. He even greeted her konnichiwa as she rode past him. What a beautiful act on the streets, only in Japan!

📍Kyoto City, Kansai, Japan
📸 Ricoh GR IIIx
🗓️ November 2024