Bowing Culture In Japan: A Symbol of Respect

Bowing, known as Ojigi (お辞儀), is a crucial etiquette in Japan, unlike in Western culture. It is a skill taught from a young age, and its depth and formality vary depending on the situation.

Expressing emotions like appreciation, respect, remorse, or gratitude can be conveyed through different types of bows – from small nods to deep waist bends.

In Japanese culture, bowing is deeply ingrained, and people may even bow while speaking on the phone, despite not being seen by the other person.

Proper bowing is a defining quality of adulthood, and many Japanese companies take extra care to train their employees on business bowing etiquette.

For those visiting or working in Japan, understanding bowing techniques and etiquette is highly beneficial, although most Japanese people understand that foreigners may not be familiar with all the rules and are forgiving of any missteps.

Common Social Situations to Bow in Japan

1. Greeting someone
2. Saying goodbye
3. Expressing gratitude (saying thanks)
4. Apologizing
5. Congratulating someone
6. At the start or end of a meeting, class, or ceremony
7. Making a request
8. Showing sympathy
9. Expressing appreciation
10. Commencing a formal ceremony
11. Upon entering or leaving a martial arts dojo

The Origins of Bowing: A Brief Exploration

Bowing is believed to have been introduced to Japan during the 5th to 8th centuries with the arrival of Buddhism. In Buddhism, bowing holds significant importance as a gesture of piety and respect.

The samurai, a revered class in Japanese society for an extended period, adopted the disciplined values of Zen Buddhism, further popularizing bowing as an essential cultural practice.

The widespread acceptance of bowing in Japanese social culture can be attributed to this historical influence. Today, bowing remains an integral part of visiting temples and shrines in Japan.

^{Bowing Culture in Buddhism (Dogeza)}

Major Types of Bowing in Japanese Culture

There are three primary types of bows: 1) eshaku, 2) keirei, and 3) saikeirei. Each bow requires proper muscle control and posture. To execute a bow correctly, maintain a straight back and keep the lower portion of your body vertical and steady without slouching. It is crucial to synchronize your bow with your breathing. Lower your body into the bowed position during one regular inhale, hold the position for one normal exhale, and return to your original stance in time with one regular inhale. This timing ensures a natural and balanced movement that doesn’t feel rushed.

^{_{Different Bowing angles and hand positions (Male)}}

^{_{Bowing angles and hand positions (Female)}}

During all types of bows, men should keep their hands on both sides of their legs, while women typically place one hand on top of the other in the center of their body and below their abdomen.

1. Eshaku: (会釈）

For this bow, your upper torso should be lowered by approximately 15 degrees, and your eyes should gaze at the ground about three meters in front of your feet. It is a casual bow used between individuals of equal status or in less formal situations like chance encounters in shops.

2. Keirei（敬礼）:

To perform this bow, dip your torso around 30 degrees and direct your eyes towards the ground about one meter in front of your feet. This bow is commonly used in Japanese business, such as when greeting clients, entering meetings, or interacting with superiors at work.

3. Saikeirei（最敬礼）:

With this bow, dip your body between 45 and 70 degrees. It signifies the utmost respect for the other person and is used in significant situations, such as greeting very important individuals, offering apologies, or seeking significant favors. As this bow holds more significance, it is customary to stay in the bowed position for a relatively longer duration, expressing respect and sincerity.

Other Formal Bowing types

A. Seiza(正座)

^{Seija Bowing Position}

Besides the main bowing types, Japan also has other formal bowing positions. One of them is Seiza, a sitting posture widely used in formal situations. To assume Seiza, kneel down one leg at a time, keeping your feet flat on the floor with your toes pointed behind you. Sit on your calves or heels and maintain a straight back with arms out to the side and palms on the top of your thighs.

D. Dogeza(土下座)

Dogeza is believed to have originated from Buddhism, where students would show profound respect to their teacher or guru in this manner. (土 do~: Land, 下 ge: Down, 座 za: Sit)

^{Dogeza Bowing Posture}

Lastly, the Dogeza bow is rarely used as it is considered highly disrespectful to oneself. It involves getting on your hands and knees and placing your face on the ground, and it is only used in very specific situations, such as begging for your life.