I asked 28 Japanese kids one question. “Why do Americans fly their flag everywhere?” “Because they love America.” “Because it looks cool.” “Because they won lots of wars.” One boy said, “Maybe they just really like stars.” Everyone laughed. Then I showed them pictures. American flags on houses. On farms. Outside small businesses. At baseball games. One girl raised her hand. “Are they required to do that?” “No. They choose to.” She looked surprised. “Even at their own houses?” “Even at their own houses.” Then a quiet boy said, “In Japan, we don’t usually put flags outside our homes.” He looked at the pictures again. “Maybe Americans just want everyone to know where their heart belongs.” The teacher didn’t say anything. Neither did I. I thought that was a beautiful answer.