It’s The Little Things In Japan

Six Word Photo Story Challenge: Freestyle

Omotenashi says, “I thought of you.”

Forty pound packs on our aching backs from catching the flu mid-trip and a two-hour bus ride later and a two-hour drive still in ahead of us — there we were at Nakanojo Station in the middle of Gunma Prefecture.

We had a 45 minute wait until the next train came. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not that long of a wait, but when you’re running on less than a quarter tank of energy and just want to get to your destination, it feels like eternity.

This was a humble train station. Unlike the ones you see in the cities, it had no stores or cafes to explore to pass the time.

The only thing in the station to welcome us, were two rows of chairs, permanently fixed in the center of the station waiting room.

Each of these chairs dawning a little cushion, that looked as if it was fashioned by the station master’s grandmother, that said,

“I know we might not look like much, but I will do my best to comfort you on your journey. Please, enjoy.”

A small, yet mighty embodiment of the Japanese concept of “omotenashi.” According to travel experts at Toki:

Omotenashi, a cherished Japanese principle of hospitality, centers around warmly welcoming and caring for guests with genuine kindness and attentiveness. Often characterized as “wholehearted hospitality” or “selfless service,” Omotenashi is guided by three core principles: meticulous attention to detail, foreseeing the needs of others, and surpassing expectations to ensure a memorable experience. — Toki

If only the stranger who set these cushions out knew how I felt in that moment. If only they knew the difference the soft, pillowy stuffing between my bum and the cold, hard seat made when I was running a borderline fever.

It’s the little things in Japan that say, “I’m thinking of you.”