Everyday I'm getting closer and closer to my departure date and I thought I could use this time to study up on Japanese customs. I hope to give you and myself some insight into what I'll be experiencing. I have no way of knowing if this information is 100% accurate, but it's a start. I hope to cover everything from customs, transportation, food, landmarks, basic living, work and much much more. So let's get started with bowing in Japan.
THE ART OF BOWING
Bowing is one of the most integrated and ingrained social behaviors of eastern culture. To the Japanese, status is extremely important and bowing is a type of way to acknowledge the social hierarchy, show respect and humble oneself.
Before you can understand the complexities of bowing you have to know how to bow. Bowing is typically done with a straight back with your hands at your side. If you're a girl or woman you may also clasp your hands together in your lap. The bow is performed from the waist, with your eyes down toward the ground. The more you respect someone the longer and deeper you bow to them. Inferiors will bow much deeper than a superior, who will usually just give a nod of the head. Determining who is a superior and inferior is dependent on several factors such as; age, family status, and work status. As a foreigner, it is not expected of you to completely understand how the bowing and status system works. It is probably safer to bow lower than you think you should so as not to offend anyone.
There are several types of bowing in Japan depending on the situation and people involved.
1. Eshaku (会釈) or (えしゃく) - a slight bow or nod. Eshaku usually occurs between friends or those you know pretty well. It is normally used as a greeting bow to acknowledge the other person. The bow is usually performed between 5-15 degrees.
2. Keirei and Saikeirei (最敬礼) or ( さいけいれい) - "most respectful bow". This is performed between 30 and 45 degrees. Saikeirei is used to show extreme respect and can be used for apologizing or thanking someone. This bow is reserved for big mistakes or extreme thank yous.
3. Dogeza (土下座) - "sitting right on the ground". Not used very much anymore, dogeza is used in extreme apology or begging. The user will get on his/her hands and knees and bow their head to the floor, either touching the forehead to the floor or hovering it a few inches above.
There is much more to bowing then what I've outlined, but these are the basics. I can't wait to learn more.
Brian
Awesome!
ReplyDeleteOne thing I learned in Japan - never say you're good at anything. If someone compliments you, say, "Iie, sore wa jya arimasen". Otherwise, it sounds like you're bragging. :)
-Kailey