Graduation

I attended both of my schools' graduation ceremonies, held yesterday and today. Teachers and staff came dressed sharply in black suits - everyone in black. Except for the vice principal who wore a kimono. Truly, they give meaning to the word "ceremonious". Stand up, bow, sit down. Stand up again, bow again, sit down again. All in unison. Reminds me of the Japanese proverb: "The nail that sticks out will be hammered down". The students bow to the VIPs, to the school staff, to the Japanese flag - in a certain order. And like many formal ceremonies, the graduation ceremonies take quite some time. Not terribly exciting stuff, especially in a language I hardly understand..