Sensei Takes Photo

 These girls were waiting nearby at the Metro subway station this evening.  I asked them if I may please take their photo.  They were very shy and did not understand my request.  After much giggling and shaking of heads in confusion, I finally said, "Sensei" (teacher) and pointed to myself.  Then I pointed to my iPhone camera and said, "For my students."  Suddenly they understood, lifted their hands, and posed.

In Japan teachers are given a great deal of respect.  Many students are closer to their teachers during their teenage years than to their own mothers because they spend so much time together during school hours and on weekends.