This clip of Italian jockey Mirco Demuro getting off his horse and taking a deep bow on his knees towards the emperor and empress after winning the Tenno Sho [Emperor’s Prize] has gone viral, gaining over 1 million views since being posted on October 28.
We include the original video of Demuro’s impromptu act of reverence towards the Japanese royal family upon his victory, along with a selection of comments from netizens who saw the video on YouTube.
From YouTube:
Comments from YouTube:
mochio100:
Thank you. Demuro （；＿；）
wotako:
Even though I knew that he knelt down, when I actually saw the video I instantly shed tears.
kerro777:
If a Japanese jockey did it, they’d be seen as being extreme right wing and he’d be get a viscous beating. Sigh.
cassano19731225:
Some are saying Japanese jockeys don’t do it but they do, Demuro has done it like a knight, and Japanese take a deep bow, it’s just a different way of saluting. Anyway, it doesn’t change the fact that Demuro is awesome being able to pay respect to another country’s king (emperor). I’m in love!!
mikenekoEVE:
With this Demuro has become a jockey that will be loved in Japan forever. Even if I don’t win next time I’d forgive him w
salamander177
Jockey Mirco Demuro is wonderfully graceful. A person that is courteous is beautiful. Although, it’s hypocritical that when a foreigner does it it’s praised and when a Japanese does it people say he’s extreme right wing or a militarist.
ramu138110:
He’s truly wonderful as a person!! This world isn’t a bad place after all!!
hopposohot:
An Italian has taught us what position the “emperor” is to us. Public broadcasters should be ashamed
koji1192296:
Showing respect to the emperor is proper. I’m moved that Demuro has done it after getting off his horse. Within the Japanese there are many who are no good, those like Diet Member Hamaguri who rudely said ‘Sit down!!’, and there are those who sleep in front of the emperor. Democratic Party politicians are a bunch of traitors and Zainichi Koreans.
kouten990:
Everyday, anti-Japanese media try to devalue the imperial family. Those sorry souls that don’t understand the real beauty of this act, they’re our enemy. I was moved.
ncfe11:
Even with so many people on the internet and at the racing tracks being moved and praising him, there are those who are not happy. I feel resentful that those people try to put Japan down.
Champlain211:
Apparently it’s against the rules to get off the horse at this point, but Demuro has taught us that there’s more important things than blindly following rules. This is a bit of a stretch, but I feel that there is something more important than blindly protecting the constitution.
GimmeShelters:
I praise the JRA for not making him disqualified because he got off his horse. Mr. Mirco, please come to Japan again.
mam1855:
I think I saw a European knight. Mirco thank you, even if I didn’t win. Don’t lose out, Japanese bushido!!
jinn2017:
How courteous!!
The emperor is not a man of power. He is a symbol of our independence. Bowing to him means showing respect to the ordinary citizen, I feel that I would like to pay respect to him.
四 乙:
To be honest, with countries surrounding Japan I have been anxious, but I felt relieved when Demuro showed respect to the imperial family. I thought it was some positive news, at last.
himesyaga:
Thank you for the moving video. Japan should be friendly with countries who are courteous. We should be friends with countries that have decency!!
Hinako Shibainu:
I saw something great!! The smiles of the emperor and empress after that is even greater!! Japan has such treasure that are worthy of praise!! This is what we call being cultured. People who can’t appreciate this, go to countries where that’s normal.
20060509:
Sir Demuro, I want to say that it is us who should be thankful. I was moved by the crowd cheering when you bowed. The emperor and empress have extraordinary class. I have become revitalized from watching this; I feel warm inside.
ryota2323:
That’s like a European.
That’s like an Italian stud.
There’s history, culture and tradition, I’m impressed.
