My apologies

Ah, emoticons. Over-used and over-rated. "I am sad! :-(", "I am happy! :-)", "Wink wink nudge nudge say no more say no more! ;-)". The standards.

One emoticon that does make me giggle (I daresay its unique to Japan) is the one for "dogeza" (the traditional art of kneeling to the ground)...

..."I apologize very humbly - m(_ _)m"!

You will see the modified version of "dogeza" every day in newspapers and on TV when politicians or the executives of major companies bow deeply to press conferences to apologize for their numerous scandals. "I am sooooo sorry I extorted billions of yen from my competitors. I sincerely regret my actions. Please forgive me, kind and honorable Japan." Like a prostrate bow is gonna atone for being a complete arse-hat. I wonder if their official letters of apology end with a resounding "m(_ _)m"?

Must remember to use it next time I misappropriate the Mister's funds to buy me some shoes...