JapanSugoi

If you live in Japan or are traveling to Japan, you will have to learn and understand the etiquette or custom of bowing “ojigi” , one of the most common and important types of nonverbal communication used in Japanese society. Bowing is used by Japanese men and women in every day life as a greeting, to say goodbye, to express thanks or gratitude, to apologize and most importantly as a sign of respect and humility to others.

Bowing can be as simple as a nod of the head all the way to bending at the waist to various angels and when, where and angle of the bow is determined by a complex system based on your relationship with the other person, age, rank in company or group, and the situation of the encounter.

Most gaijin residents or foreign visitors are not expected to speak Japanese but understanding the basics of the bowing etiquette helps . For those Japanophiles or long term residents who do understand the bowing system, check out the hilarious spoof clips below by comedy duo the Rahmens ラーメンズ.

Bowing etiquette in Japan videos

15,30,45 degree bows

Station master bowing

employees bowing at shop closing

very funny spoofs on Japanese bowing etiquette by the Rahmens