Bowing Etiquette: The Art of Ojigi

Understanding the Significance of Bowing

Bowing (お辞儀, ojigi) is perhaps the most recognizable Japanese custom and serves multiple purposes in Japanese society. It's a greeting, an expression of gratitude, an apology, and a show of respect. The depth and duration of a bow communicate different levels of formality and emotion.

When to Bow

As a visitor to Japan, you'll encounter numerous situations where bowing is appropriate:

• Greetings: When meeting someone for the first time
• Departures: When saying goodbye
• Expressing Thanks: After receiving service, gifts, or assistance
• Apologizing: When you've made a mistake or caused inconvenience
• Showing Respect: At shrines, temples, or when meeting people of high status

How to Bow Properly

While Japanese people don't expect perfect bowing from foreign visitors, making an effort shows cultural sensitivity. Here's a breakdown of different bow types:

Casual Bow (会釈, eshaku)

• Depth: Approximately 15-degree angle
• Duration: Brief, about 1 second
• When to Use: Casual daily greetings, thanking store clerks, acknowledging acquaintances
• Body Position: Keep your back straight, eyes lowered, hands at sides (men) or clasped in front (women)

Formal Bow (敬礼, keirei)

• Depth: About 30-degree angle
• Duration: 1-2 seconds
• When to Use: Business meetings, formal introductions, showing deeper gratitude
• Body Position: Straight back, eyes down, hands as in casual bow

Very Formal Bow (最敬礼, saikeirei)

• Depth: 45-degree angle or more
• Duration: 2-3 seconds
• When to Use: Formal apologies, meeting highly respected individuals, expressing deep gratitude
• Body Position: Same as formal bow but deeper angle

Practical Bowing Tips for Travelers

• Don't bow with objects in your hands if possible
• Maintain a straight back rather than rounding your shoulders
• If someone bows deeper or longer than you, it's polite to match their bow
• When in doubt, a slight nod of acknowledgment is acceptable for tourists
• Never bow while walking—stop first, then bow

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For most tourist interactions, a casual bow or even a head nod combined with appropriate verbal greeting will be appreciated. Japanese people understand you're a visitor and will value your effort to respect their customs more than perfect execution.

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