Little Things

     Little things can make a big difference.  Japan is profoundly different in many ways from the US, but there are many aspects of Japanese society that are the same.  Gossip still reigns supreme among neighbors, litter still dots the landscape, and politicians lie.  But I find the slight differences to be humorous in the extreme.  Take my work shoes in the photo.  They are comfortable and stylish, if a little dirty here.
   












     I really enjoy wearing them and they certainly serve their purpose well.  The only issue is in the brand name of the shoes.  I know Shakespeare's opinion: "What's in a name? that which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet;" , and I agree with Juliet, names should only be important when communicating with others.  But there is a hitch in this philosophy, when the names become downright funny.

     As you can see I have reason to laugh each time I put these on.  I even find myself occasionally chuckling as I walk along , remembering the shoes I wear. . .