How to bow correctly for different situations in Japan
In Japan, bowing is a critical form of respect and greeting with different bows used for various situations. The main bows in Japanese culture are:
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Eshaku (会釈): A casual bow where the torso bends about 15 degrees, used for greeting coworkers or acquaintances casually. It is a brief bow that shows politeness without formality.
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Keirei (敬礼): A formal bow bending about 30 degrees, common in business or when showing respect to superiors or elders. The back is straight, and the bow is held briefly to convey respect.
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Saikeirei (最敬礼): The deepest and most formal bow, bending between 45 and 70 degrees, used in very solemn occasions, polite apologies, or to show utmost respect for important people. The bow is usually held longer to show sincerity.
Additionally, bowing can be done standing (ritsurei) or kneeling (zarei), with kneeling bows more common in traditional settings or formal ceremonies like tea ceremonies or martial arts. Men generally keep their hands at their sides while bowing, while women place their hands folded in front below the abdomen.
Other bows include:
- Mokurei: A slight nod of the head used among close friends or family.
- Dogeza: A deep kneeling bow with forehead to the ground to show extreme apology or reverence.
Correct bowing involves bending only at the waist with a straight back, keeping the feet together, and exhaling as you hold the bow to express sincerity. The deeper and longer the bow, the more respect or apology it conveys. Overbowing or improper bowing can be seen as insincere or awkward.
In everyday life, a slight head nod or a small bow is sufficient for casual greetings. In business or formal situations, the 30-degree keirei bow is standard, and in very respectful or apologetic settings, the saikeirei deep bow is used. Learning these distinctions is important for social and business interactions in Japan. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5