This is just a regular Japanese cashier lady at a used bookshop on Waseda Street, where I used to live for 1.5 years. I was on my way from work, and decided to stop at Waseda that day.

She thanked my visit in a great manner when I came in, and greeted me with her sophisticated use of words. I took some time to look over the books she had, and decided to pick a couple novels to take home with me.

“It will be 1200 yen.”

“Hai”, I said. And that was the only conversation we exchanged. I put my coins on a trey at the counter.

She just quietly double-bagged my purchase without asking me any questions. I got lost for a second while she was wrapping the old damaged used books I just purchased.

l Iooked outside and it was raining.

“Oh”, I thought. She did it, so my books won’t get wet.

I left the store holding the double-bagged plastic bag in my left hand, and held my portable umbrella in my right hand and walked to the train station. It usually takes 15 minutes to Waseda Station, but it felt longer and deeper, and my mind started to race.

I always feel a minor sickness in my stomach when friends tell me they “experienced Japan” after visiting the Maid Cafe in Akihabara, or Join the Mario Kart Race in the famous Shibuya Crossing. To me, those things are not Japan. But this lady was.

A dedication to quality, authenticity, and constant devotion in professionality. She did not just double-bag her books. She also doubled-bagged me, and my inner craving for the human connection.

I felt so bad sneaking to take a picture of her, but I didn’t want to miss this moment. I didn’t want to forget that there are still hopes left here in Japan.

This is just a regular Japanese cashier lady at a used bookshop on Waseda Street.

But just take a look at her.

She is beautiful.