Bowing (ojigi お辞儀) remains Japan's most fundamental greeting, expressing respect, gratitude, and social hierarchy through precise angles and timing. From casual 15-degree nods between friends to formal 45-degree bows in business settings, each gesture carries deep cultural meaning. The depth and duration communicate your relationship with the other person and the formality of the situation. Modern Japanese bow everywhere: train stations, elevators, phone calls where nobody can see them. It's muscle memory, cultural DNA that kicks in automatically. Understanding when and how to bow properly shows respect for Japanese values and helps you navigate social situations with confidence.

Quick essentials

• Bow depth matters: 15 degrees for casual, 30 degrees for business, 45 degrees for formal apologies
• Keep it simple: Straight back, arms at sides, eyes downward during the bow
• Timing counts: Don't rush it. Hold the position briefly before rising
• Phone bowing is real: Japanese people bow during phone conversations instinctively

FAQ

Q: Should foreigners bow or shake hands?

A: Follow their lead. Many Japanese expect handshakes from foreigners, but a slight bow shows cultural awareness and is always appreciated.

Q: What if I bow wrong?

A: Minor mistakes won't offend anyone. Effort matters more than perfection. Most Japanese appreciate foreigners attempting their customs.

Q: Do I bow back if someone bows to me?

A: Yes, but yours can be slightly less deep unless you're clearly the junior person in the relationship.

Q: Is there a difference between male and female bowing?

A: Traditionally, women place hands together in front while bowing, men keep arms straight at sides. Modern practice is more flexible.

Q: When should I not bow?

A: In crowded spaces where you might bump someone, or when carrying heavy items. A verbal greeting works fine.

Q: How long should I hold the bow?

A: Count "one Mississippi" for casual bows, "two Mississippi" for formal ones. Match their timing when possible.

Related Japanese terms

• Ojigi (お辞儀) - The formal term for bowing
• Eshaku (会釈) - Light bow, 15 degrees
• Keirei (敬礼) - Standard bow, 30 degrees
• Saikeirei (最敬礼) - Deep formal bow, 45 degrees
• Dogeza (土下座) - Prostration bow on hands and knees
• Zarei (座礼) - Seated bowing

The art of Japanese bowing

Origins and evolution

Bowing entered Japan through Chinese Buddhist culture around the 6th century. Originally reserved for religious and imperial ceremonies, it gradually spread through samurai culture into everyday life.

The Heian period (794-1185) formalized bowing rules for court life. Different classes had specific bow angles. Break the rules? Social disaster.

Meiji Restoration brought Western influence, but bowing survived. It adapted. Today's business bowing blends traditional respect with modern efficiency.

The mechanics

Basic posture: Stand straight, feet together. Arms hang naturally at your sides. Keep your back straight as you bend from the waist.

Eye contact rules: Look at them before bowing. During the bow, eyes go down. Make eye contact again when you straighten up.

Common mistakes:

• Bobbing your head instead of bending your waist
• Putting hands together like you're praying
• Bowing while walking (you'll bump into someone)
• Over-bowing as a foreigner (draws awkward attention)

Reading the room

Casual situations: Convenience stores, casual restaurants, friends. A quick nod works. Don't overthink it.

Business context: Proper 30-degree bows. Hold business cards with both hands while bowing slightly. The junior person bows deeper and longer.

Formal events: Weddings, funerals, tea ceremonies. Watch others first. When in doubt, bow deeper rather than too shallow.

Service industry: Staff bow to customers constantly. You don't need to bow back to every convenience store clerk, but acknowledging their service with a small nod shows good manners.

The real secret? Bowing reflects your inner attitude. Do it with genuine respect rather than mechanical copying. Japanese people sense the difference immediately.