Cultural note: How to Bow.

Ojigi (bowing) is an essential part of Japanese daily life. People bow when saying hello, thanking someone, apologizing, saying good-bye and introducing themselves. Although shaking hands (akushu) has become accepted as a form of greeting, many Japanese still are not used to it.


The deeper you bow, the more respect you are showing. Men and women bow diffrently. Men bow with their hands held at their sides, palms facing inward. Women bow with their hands crosseed in front of them.  When sitted in a chair, they always stand up to bow. You may see parents coaching small children on the proper way to do it.

If you live in Japan for any length of time, you will begin bowing automatically as you say certain expressions. You might find yourself bowing as you talk on the phone like many Japanese do!