Bowing, or "ojigi", is one of the most fundamental ways to show respect in Japan. It's something that's used in everyday life in Japan. Whether you're greeting someone, thanking them, or offering an apology, bowing is a natural part of the interaction. In this guide, we'll walk you through the art of bowing and explain how different types of bows are used in various situations.

The Essence of Bowling

Before diving into the different types of bows, you should know the etiquette that comes with them. Bowing happens in many settings—greetings, farewells, expressions of gratitude, and apologies all require it. And there's one rule to always remember: when someone bows to you, you bow back. Hand placement is also key. For men, hands rest at the sides of the thighs, sliding down as you bow. Women place their hands crossed below the abdomen. As you bow, bend at the waist with a straight back, and let your gaze follow the motion of your body, so during the bow you look at the floor. The bow should last the length of three breaths: one inhale as you bend forward, one exhale while holding the bow, and one inhale as you return to an upright position. When bowing to close friends, a simple nod is enough, but for other interactions, the degree of your bow reflects the level of respect for the other.

Eshaku ( Bow) – The Informal Bow

Eshaku is the bow for informal situations. A slight bend at 15° is enough, making it perfect for casual greetings, such as meeting people on the street or interacting with staff in stores. It's a light, friendly gesture that acknowledges the other person without too much formality.

Keirei ( Salute) – The Formal Bow

This is a formal bow used in business settings or when showing a higher degree of respect. In this bow, you bend at a 30° angle. It's common in workplace environments, formal introductions, or when interacting with authority figures.

Saikeirei ( Saikeirei) – The Deepest Bow of Respect

When you wish to convey utmost respect, you use the saikeirei. This is the deepest bow, with an angle ranging from 45° to 70°. It's used in very formal situations, or when expressing deep gratitude or apology.

Seiza (正座) – Sitting with Grace

While not a bow itself, seiza refers to the traditional sitting posture, often used when sitting on tatami floors. You kneel down, sit on your ankles or heels with your back straight, and place your hands on your thighs. During a bow from this position, your hands will slide down your thighs.

Senrei – A Gentle Seated Bow

Senrei is a bow performed from the seiza position. You bend forward about 30°, sliding your hands down to your knees, and place them on the floor in a triangle shape. As you return to your seated posture, your hands glide back to the thighs. Make sure you only bend your arms a little.

Futsurei ( Normal) – A Deeper Seated Bow

Similar to senrei, futsurei is performed from the seiza position but involves a deeper bend, about 30° to 45°, and is held for a few seconds longer. This bow is used when a higher level of respect is needed.

Dogeza ( Dogeza) – A Gesture of Extreme Apology

Dogeza is a bow you'll likely never have to use, but it's worth mentioning. This bow is often seen in historical samurai or yakuza films. To perform dogeza, you begin in seiza, then bow down until your forehead touches the floor between your hands. This bow is used for begging for forgiveness or making an extreme apology.   Now you know the basics of bowing in Japan! Each bow serves its purpose, from casual greetings to deep expressions of humility. By understanding the Japanese bowing culture, you'll understand Japan's culture of politeness better and how it shapes interactions in everyday life.