pg.4, Taisei bows and thanks Foreman and Isawa for taking care of Numakawa, to Numakawa's embarrassment. So, the Japanese are big on gestures and customary exchanges. Being able to use them properly is very impressive, especially if you are a foreigner or a younger person.
Some examples are:
- saying "ohayou gozaimasu" to your workmates and teachers in the morning, and "otsukaresama-deshita" at the end of the day before you leave
- greeting adults properly if you're a kid going to functions (ie. Makita's kids when they go flower-viewing)
- saying "osewa ni narimashita" which is "thank you for taking care of [person close to me]" to their workmates, boss, teachers, etc. (this is what Taisei says to Foreman+Isawa)
- being able to compliment people in a non-cheesy way
- correct use of -kun, -san, -sama, etc. (I leave it in these scans because it shows extra info on how everyone views each other)
- non-verbal gestures like pouring sake (ie. Yanauchi for Foreman), bowing, shaking hands, your posture, noticing where your hands are when you talk, etc.
being able to use them at the right place and right time means that you understand respect in jp society, the fact that you're able to show it, and that you recognise everyone's position relative to each other. Numakawa doesn't want Taisei to act all polite because he's acting more mature than Numakawa who is older.