| Bowing is a sign of respect that is usually exchanged | | | | keepers, co-workers, or others who have helped you |
| upon greeting, but bowing in Japan can bracket | | | | in some way. These are short, crisp, and without |
| almost any interaction: Bowing is used in apologies or | | | | necessarily expecting a bow in return. |
| to show gratitude and can express emotions such as | | | | - A standard, formal bow used in business, greeting |
| humility, sincerity, remorse or deference. In general, | | | | elders or strangers whose status is unknown, or at |
| the longer and deeper the bow, the more emotion or | | | | public events. These are deliberate, 1-2 seconds in |
| the greater the difference in social standing between | | | | duration, true exchanges of bows, with the feeling |
| the two parties. As a non-Japanese, you will be | | | | we may have about a firm handshake. |
| forgiven any bowing faux pas, so don't stress about | | | | - A very formal bow -- deeper and held a few |
| the length, duration, or meaning of your bow. Don't | | | | seconds longer than the standard formal bow -- |
| worry about doing it right -- just be sure to do it. | | | | more appropriate for apologies, expressions of |
| The Japanese bow -- which is different from bowing | | | | gratitude or condolences, or deference to someone |
| in China and elsewhere in Asia -- originates at the | | | | who, in the public eye, is very highly esteemed. Be |
| waist and is performed with a straight back and neck. | | | | careful to avoid a typical westerner error of bowing |
| Bend forward with eyes downward - looking at the | | | | longer and deeper than is called for. You may intend |
| business card if you're being presented one. Place | | | | to show deep personal respect but might instead |
| your hands at your sides (for men) or flat on the | | | | create unintended embarrassment for the recipient |
| thighs in front (for women) and not together | | | | because humility is also a very highly valued personal |
| (prayer-like) in the front - this is done in India or | | | | trait. |
| Thailand, not Japan. Avoid just nodding your head, as | | | | Some etiquette guides suggest bending at a certain |
| we often use to indicate "yes" in the West. | | | | angle (15 degrees for formal, 30 degrees for more |
| Think of (and practice!) bowing as a continuum of | | | | formal,. etc.) but I recommend just watching the |
| formality, with deeper, longer bows being more | | | | person you're bowing to and always bow a little bit |
| formal and shorter, higher bows being less formal. | | | | deeper. If you bow longer than expected the |
| The types bowing might be divided into three general | | | | Japanese person may bow again to be polite, so |
| uses: | | | | make it short to avoid an endless exchange of bows. |
| - An informal or casual bow, typically used for shop | | | | |