Nara, Japan (Nara Park)
My Phrasebook for Talking to Nara's Deer
Nara Park now has 1,687 deer, a record. They bow for crackers. I learned what each bow means, mostly by watching.
This year’s count in Nara Park found 1,687 deer, a record, 222 more than last year. The deer are famous for bowing to visitors who are holding special deer crackers. I spent a day in the park learning their language, which is mostly bowing.
My Phrasebook
One small bow: Hello. Cracker, please.
One deep bow: Good afternoon, sir. Cracker, please.
Three bows in a row: Cracker, please. I’m not going to ask a fourth time.
A fourth bow: I’m asking a fourth time.
A deer staring at your pocket: I know there are more in there.
A deer nudging your elbow: The cracker stand is right behind you. Turn around.
A deer walking away: You’ve run out of crackers. It was nice knowing you.
My Bow
As the sun went down, I bowed to a deer. It bowed back. So I bowed deeper. It bowed again, a little deeper than me.
We stood there bowing for twenty minutes. A small crowd gathered to watch. Nobody knew who was winning. In the end, I gave the deer my last cracker, and it walked off without another bow.
I think that means it won. I’ve been practicing my bow in the hallway since I got home, for the rematch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do the deer bow?
They've learned that a bow gets a cracker. I've learned the same thing works on my neighbors, with cookies.
What are the crackers made of?
Rice bran and wheat flour, with no sugar. I tried one. It's very much for deer.