Embarking on a journey to Japan, you will notice it is immediately different from other places in the world. As soon as you board the plane on Japan airlines, everyone bows to you. The stewardesses smile and are extremely gracious, bowing respectfully and pleasantly. Watching the video screen on landing, the airport personnel on the runway wave the plane to its parking spot and then bow to the pilots. Jumping on a bus, the attendant bows when the bus is finished loading. Japan is a highly developed, sophisticated society that holds fast to its past and culture, yet has embraced modern technology to the max.