Constructions Signs – Taking Politeness To A New Level

I’d like to share this sign I saw on the street the other day:

This is pretty typical for a sign in Tokyo.  If you really look at it, the man in the picture is bowing.  This is a sign near a construction site, and the sign is warning pedestrians to take care.  It also apologizes for the inconvenience.  Apologies are generally accompanied by a bow.

Signs bow everywhere, though.  When you buy a ticket on the Yamanote line at some machines, a cartoon character thanks you and bows on the screen.  The animation is a hoot!  Here it’s a still drawing, but you get the idea.  Kindness and politeness reign.  It’s a lovely concept.