Bowing In Japan

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Introduction: How to Bow in Japanese!

When you visit Japan, you might notice something missing—hugs during greetings! While many cultures use hugs or handshakes for greetings and goodbyes, in Japan, we bow. This is how we show respect, and at times apologies or gratitude.

Japanese people bow in many occasions, but not all bows are the same. In fact, there are three main types of bows, and each one has a different meaning depending on the angle.

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1. 15° Bow – Light & Casual

 This is the most casual type of bow, and it’s also the quickest. You’ll see it used in everyday situations—greeting a neighbor, saying a quick thanks to a co-worker of same or higher status, or giving thanks to the cashier at a grocery store, these cases prompt a light 15 degree bow.

The movement is simple: just a small forward tilt of about 15 degrees from your waist. Some think of this light bow as the same as a wave or a quick “hi!”

2. Video

We will be talking about three types of bowing in Japanese, which you can see in the video what they will look like. Here’s the short, one-minute video!

In Japan we don't hug

2. 30° Bow – Polite & Respectful

This bow is more formal and respectful. You’ll use it in business settings, when meeting someone for the first time, or when entering a formal situation like a job interview or a tea ceremony.

In the video you see Momoka, receiving a bottle of tea and saying ありがとうごいざます arigatō gozaimasu, while bowing to show extra appreciation.