Why Does the Old Japanese Man Sweep the Sidewalk Tokyo Japan

Why does the old Japanese man sweep the public sidewalk next to the street?

Some would say because he’s paid to do that. But maybe he’s not. Maybe he keeps the sidewalk clean because he cares about the neighborhood and community he lives in. Maybe he takes pride in the country, city or town he lives in. How ever you want to look at it, it makes me think about my own work and my own community that I live in. What is it that I’m doing to contribute to my neighbors and community I consider myself part of?

Why should you care about the quality of work you create or do for someone?

A friend and co-worker of mine once said to me, “You’re only as good as your last job.” And as an artist, this statement means a lot to me. If you’re not into your work and do it poorly, then it will show in what you create or produce. You work hard and challenge yourself to produce the best quality of work you’re capable of. You do this because you care about your fellow man/woman. You do this because you’re proud of your title and want people to be happy with the services or products you deliver. You do this because this is a direct reflection of your character. If you produce or create poorly crafted or sloppy work, then this is how people will think of you as person or professional. Pride comes with the realization that you make a difference.

You do this because you care about yourself and those around you. Don’t settle for mediocrity when you can deliver excellence.

歩道を掃く; Hodō o haku
自分の仕事に誇りを持ちましょう
Jibun no shigoto ni hokori o mochimashou’
他人に親切にする; Tanin ni shinsetsu ni suru
コミュニティに還元する
Komyuniti ni kangen suru

This is a photo reminder to myself to take pride in my work and create images that are meaningful