StacyinJapan - Did you lose your smartphone? (Part 2)

The first time I saw the gentleman since that September 5th Friday morning, confirmed that the phone was indeed his. He thanked me over and over in Japanese, but quitely of course because we were on the train. On every occasion after that, I am greeted by the gentleman verbally or with the usual Japanese nod of acknowledgement. He even started smiling, which really warmed my heart. I don't always see him on the train but sometimes I see him in his 'usual' spot where he had first lost his device. It seems now that he is looking out for me and it's pleasant and a little awkward too. If he sees me and our eyes meet, I get the now, usual pleasant faced greeting. On one occasion when I finally saw him, it was approaching his stop to get off the train and he motioned to me to grab his seat. I smiled and nodded in thanks as he stood for several meters until the train stopped. A few more nods pass between us before he exits the train, as you can never out-nod the Japanese.

An act of kindness is good medicine for all parties involved. I remembered the fear that over took me to ask the man if he had lost his phone, just because of the language barrier and the perception some Japanese have of foreigners. I felt vulnerable but being the type of person I am, I wanted to help and God rewarded my effort. Another old gentle face to look out for me as I journey Japan alone.