Saikerei is the word used in Japanese culture to describe the highest form of respect for one another. Eight letters to heal an ancient emotion, accompanied by a gesture that replaces physical contact without distracting from rubbing. Indeed, adding holiness. The arch is the deepest among those contemplated in the Land of the Rising Sun: not the small nod reserved for relatives and friends (mokurei), not even the daily greeting to colleagues (eshaku), nor the more submissive keirei dedicated to persons of higher rank .
In the Saikerei the curvature of the back reaches the greatest flexion. It’s the manifestation of the utmost respect, which is what one could use in Japan at the Emperor’s court or when one needs a heartfelt apology. Some argue that this jumble of slow downward cadences is the ultimate precipitate of Shinto influence. According to other currents, it is a manual created by the Ogasawara family, who ruled in the Kamakura period (1185 – 1333), to remind everyone how to behave in civil, religious, and martial ceremonies Has.
In any case, the salute with the bow is so deeply rooted in the Japanese soul that it sometimes seems exuberant. In Japan everyone does it, under no circumstances. It happens on the street, in shops, in offices, in religious buildings. The greeting lives not compressed in a small space. You can always go back to it and export it somewhere else. Even on a soccer field. When his team gracefully exited the World Cup yesterday – on penalties against Croatia – Coach Hajime Moriyasu made a gesture that is quite normal for himbut able to hop halfway around the world for broadcasters and social media in an instant.
Moriyasu comforted the penalty takers who fired blanks for later approach the opposing team and make a deep bow. Strictly speaking, the Saikerei. An unprecedented glitter in the football mud, often marked by fighting spirit, futile controversies and respect for the oppressed neighbors. Like a white sheep being herded into a bleating dark-haired flock. Then, of course, everyone turns around.
“How much do we still have to learn,” rightly commented the commentators in the stands. Because you can also lose and give credit to your opponents without going insane. An attitude that is certainly more widespread in rugby than among connoisseurs of the round ball. How to inject good antibodies into an organism with a high viral load. Such counterattacks are certainly not new to Japan. After the glorious game against Germany The team had cleaned up the dressing roomturned on its head by the legitimate and exuberant party.
How strange this bow is for us Italians, used to hugging, kissing and physically engaging even complete strangers. Sure, we’ll keep touching, but it wouldn’t hurt to learn the lesson: that sometimes you shorten distances as you keep them.