How to Bow in Japan: Types, Angles & Etiquette Guide
お辞儀の作法
Learn how to bow in Japan correctly. Discover the 3 bow types (15°, 30°, 45°), when to use each, and avoid common bowing mistakes in business.
Bowing (お辞儀 / おじぎ) is far more than a simple greeting in Japan—it's a profound expression of respect, humility, and social awareness that has been refined over centuries. Unlike handshakes in Western culture, bowing in Japan carries nuanced meanings based on depth, duration, and context.
Understanding when and how to bow is essential for anyone visiting or doing business in Japan. This guide will teach you the different types of bows, their appropriate uses, and the cultural philosophy behind this elegant custom.
Historical Origins(お辞儀の歴史)
Bowing in Japan dates back over 1,500 years, originating from Chinese influence during the Asuka period (538-710 AD). Initially, bowing was reserved for religious ceremonies and interactions with nobility.
During the feudal era, bowing became codified into strict rules of etiquette. Samurai developed precise bowing protocols based on social rank—incorrect bowing could even result in death. The depth and duration of a bow indicated one's status relative to the recipient.
By the Meiji period (1868-1912), bowing had evolved into the modern system we see today, integrating traditional values with practical everyday use.
The word お辞儀 (ojigi) combines お (honorific prefix) + 辞 (word/resignation) + 儀 (ceremony), reflecting its roots in formal ceremonial practice.
Types of Bows(お辞儀の種類)
Japanese bowing has three main categories, each with specific angles and uses:
| Type | Japanese | Angle | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eshaku | 会釈 | 15° | Casual greetings, passing colleagues, everyday thanks |
| Keirei | 敬礼 | 30° | Business greetings, meeting clients, showing respect |
| Saikeirei | 最敬礼 | 45° | Deep apologies, sacred places, meeting VIPs |
| Dogeza | 土下座 | Kneeling | Extreme apologies, begging forgiveness (rare) |
Eshaku - The Casual Bow(会釈（えしゃく）)
Eshaku (会釈) is a light 15-degree bow used in everyday situations. This quick, informal bow is appropriate for:
- Greeting neighbors or casual acquaintances
- Passing coworkers in the hallway
- Quick thanks at convenience stores
- Acknowledging someone holding a door
The bow should be quick (1-2 seconds) with a slight forward tilt. Your eyes can remain forward or slightly downcast.
Keirei - The Standard Bow(敬礼（けいれい）)
Keirei (敬礼) is a respectful 30-degree bow used in professional and semi-formal situations:
- Meeting clients or customers
- Welcoming guests
- Business introductions
- Expressing sincere thanks
- Beginning and ending meetings
Hold the bow for 2-3 seconds. Keep your back straight, bend from the waist, and let your arms rest naturally at your sides (or hands together for women).
In business settings, the person of lower status should bow first and deeper. If you're unsure, it's better to bow slightly deeper than necessary.
Saikeirei - The Deep Bow(最敬礼（さいけいれい）)
Saikeirei (最敬礼) is a deep 45-degree bow reserved for the most formal occasions:
- Sincere apologies
- Showing deep gratitude
- Meeting important figures (executives, dignitaries)
- Sacred places like shrines and temples
- Formal ceremonies
This bow should be held for 3+ seconds. Your gaze should be directed at the floor. The depth conveys the utmost respect or sincere remorse.
Dogeza - The Prostrate Bow(土下座（どげざ）)
Dogeza (土下座) is kneeling with your forehead touching the ground. This extreme bow is rarely seen today but carries intense meaning:
- Begging for forgiveness after severe wrongdoing
- Desperate pleas or requests
- Traditional ceremonies
- Sometimes used dramatically in TV/movies
In modern Japan, dogeza is considered excessive and embarrassing in most contexts. Forcing someone to perform dogeza can even be considered harassment or assault.
You'll likely never need to perform dogeza. If you see it in dramas, understand it's being used for dramatic effect to show extreme desperation or apology.
Proper Bowing Technique(正しいお辞儀の仕方)
Follow these steps for a proper Japanese bow:
- Stand straight - Feet together, back straight, shoulders relaxed
- Position hands - Men: hands at sides. Women: hands overlapped in front
- Bend from the waist - Keep your back straight, don't curve your spine
- Lower your gaze - Look at a point on the ground ahead of you
- Hold the position - Don't rush; the pause shows sincerity
- Rise smoothly - Return to standing at a similar pace
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Keep your back straight | Bend only your neck |
| Bend from the waist | Bob quickly up and down |
| Look down naturally | Maintain eye contact while bowing |
| Keep hands still | Wave or gesture while bowing |
| Match or exceed their depth | Bow shallower than them |
Bowing in Business(ビジネスでのお辞儀)
Japanese business culture places great emphasis on proper bowing. Here are key situations:
Exchanging Business Cards (名刺交換)
When receiving a business card, bow while accepting it with both hands. Study the card briefly before placing it respectfully in a card holder or on the table—never in your back pocket.
Meeting Hierarchy
Junior employees bow first and deeper. When greeting a group, bow to the most senior person first. In doubt, mirror the depth of your Japanese counterpart.
Phone Bowing
Yes, many Japanese people bow even while on the phone! This unconscious habit shows how deeply ingrained bowing is in the culture.
Bowing at Shrines and Temples(神社・お寺でのお辞儀)
Bowing has special protocols at religious sites:
At Shinto Shrines (神社)
The standard prayer ritual is:
- Bow twice (二拝 / nihai)
- Clap twice (二拍手 / nihakushu)
- Bow once more (一拝 / ichihai)
At Buddhist Temples (お寺)
Simply bow once with hands pressed together (合掌 / gasshou). No clapping—clapping is a Shinto practice.
The mnemonic "2-2-1" helps remember shrine etiquette: 2 bows, 2 claps, 1 bow. At temples, just bow once with palms together.
The Deeper Meaning(お辞儀の深い意味)
Understanding why Japanese people bow reveals core values of the culture:
Humility (謙遜 / kenson)
By lowering your head, you literally put yourself below others. This physical act embodies the Japanese value of humility—not thinking too highly of oneself.
Respect (尊敬 / sonkei)
Bowing shows acknowledgment of another person's presence, status, or kindness. It's a nonverbal way of saying "I see you and I value you."
Harmony (和 / wa)
Mutual bowing creates balance. When both parties bow appropriately, it maintains social harmony—a cornerstone of Japanese society.
Sincerity (誠意 / seii)
A bow held longer, done slower, or deeper conveys greater sincerity. Japanese people can "read" the sincerity of a bow instinctively.
Common Mistakes to Avoid(よくある間違い)
Foreigners often make these bowing mistakes:
- Bowing while shaking hands - Choose one or the other, not both simultaneously
- Maintaining eye contact - Look down while bowing; eye contact is confrontational
- Bobbing repeatedly - One smooth bow is better than several jerky ones
- Bowing too deep for casual situations - This can seem sarcastic or mocking
- Not bowing at all - Even a small nod is better than nothing
- Ignoring return bows - If someone bows to you, always bow back
When in doubt, a sincere 15-30 degree bow with a pleasant expression will work in almost any situation. Japanese people appreciate the effort, even if the execution isn't perfect.
Bowing in Modern Japan(現代日本のお辞儀)
While bowing remains essential, modern Japan has adapted the practice:
Casual Settings
Among friends and younger generations, a quick head nod often replaces formal bowing. Some young people primarily bow in business or formal contexts.
International Interaction
Many Japanese people will offer a handshake when meeting Westerners, sometimes adding a small bow. Follow their lead.
COVID-19 Impact
The pandemic reinforced bowing as the preferred greeting since it requires no physical contact—perhaps ensuring its continued importance.
Digital Bowing
On video calls, many Japanese people bow at the beginning and end. Some even bow while sending email—a testament to how automatic the gesture has become.
Bowing Vocabulary(お辞儀の関連語彙)
Key vocabulary related to bowing:
| Japanese | Reading | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| お辞儀をする | おじぎをする | ojigi wo suru | to bow |
| 頭を下げる | あたまをさげる | atama wo sageru | to lower one's head |
| 礼 | れい | rei | bow, courtesy |
| 敬意 | けいい | keii | respect |
| 失礼します | しつれいします | shitsurei shimasu | excuse me (with bow) |
| ありがとうございます | ありがとうございます | arigatou gozaimasu | thank you (formal, with bow) |
| 申し訳ございません | もうしわけございません | moushiwake gozaimasen | I'm deeply sorry (with bow) |
| よろしくお願いします | よろしくおねがいします | yoroshiku onegaishimasu | please treat me well (with bow) |
✓Summary
Bowing is a fundamental aspect of Japanese culture that goes far beyond simple greeting. The three main types—eshaku (15°), keirei (30°), and saikeirei (45°)—each serve specific social functions from casual acknowledgment to deep apology.
While perfect form isn't expected from foreigners, understanding and attempting proper bowing shows respect for Japanese culture. Remember: sincerity matters more than perfection. A genuine bow, even if slightly imperfect, will always be appreciated.
Practice these bows before your trip to Japan, and you'll navigate social situations with greater confidence and receive warmer receptions from locals who appreciate your cultural awareness.