In the first few months of living in Japan I often used to go out for a walk during my lunchtime.

I was completely unaware of the huge downpours that can suddenly happen in the rainy season. Suddenly the clouds opened up and flooded the city. I had on a thin cotton shirt and had no idea where to escape for protection.

Suddenly a young girl rode toward me and without a word thrust a huge umbrella in my hand, thereby saving me from being drenched further.

And it wasn't any old umbrella either, but rather a high quality wooden handled number with a beautiful Edo print on it. Before I even had to time to dole out a hasty "Arigato gozaimasu," this young knight in shining polyester sped off without looking back.

I was absolutely humbled and shocked, and thought what a wonderful country this is. I vowed to keep this umbrella as a memento to this charitable act. Unfortunately, a colleague recently pinched it from the office. ... Jason