Bowing: How and when to do it

Have you ever watched a Japanese drama or anime and noticed that people bow instead of shaking hands? In Japan, bowing, or ojigi (お辞儀), is more than a simple greeting. It is an important part of daily life used to express respect, gratitude, apologies, and appreciation. The depth and duration of a bow can communicate different meanings depending on the relationship between the people involved and the situation.

There are two main positions for bowing. The most common is the standing bow, which is used in everyday interactions. In more formal settings, bows may be performed while sitting in seiza (正座), a traditional Japanese sitting posture. To sit in seiza, kneel on the floor, place the tops of your feet flat against the ground, rest your weight on your heels, keep your back straight, and place your hands on your thighs.

TYPES OF BOWS

Now that we've covered the two positions for bowing, did you know there are also four different types of bows? The main difference lies in how deeply you bend your upper body, as each angle conveys a different level of respect and sincerity.

	Eshaku (会釈) This is a quick and informal 15 degree bow used to show basic courtesy. It is commonly used when greeting acquaintances, passing colleagues, saying goodbye, or expressing thanks.
	Keirei (敬礼) / Futsuurei (普通礼) Also known as futsuurei, this is the most common type of bow used in daily life. Performed at about 30 degrees, it expresses standard respect and is appropriate for most formal situations. Its seated equivalent is called senrei (浅礼). This bow is often used when greeting a supervisor, apologizing for a mistake, or meeting someone for the first time in a business setting.
	Saikeirei (最敬礼) The deepest standard bow in Japanese etiquette. Performed at roughly 45 degrees or more, this bow is reserved for very formal situations, such as offering a sincere apology, meeting someone of significantly higher status, or showing respect during ceremonies.
	Dogeza (土下座) The final type is dogeza, the most extreme form of bowing. Unlike the other bows, it involves kneeling and lowering your body until your forehead touches the floor. Traditionally, it expresses deep remorse or a desperate request for forgiveness. Today, dogeza is rarely seen in daily life and is more commonly associated with serious wrongdoing or dramatic portrayals in television and film.

Now that you know the different types of bows and when to use them, you may be wondering: How do you actually bow properly? Follow these five basic steps to perform a respectful bow:

1. Keep your back and neck aligned. Maintain good posture and avoid slouching.

2. Bend from the waist. Lower your upper body slowly while keeping your back straight. Your head, neck, and torso should move together as one unit.

3. Position your hands correctly. Traditionally, men keep their hands at their sides, while women place their hands together in front of their thighs.

4. Pause briefly. Hold the bow for a moment, with the length of the pause depending on the formality of the situation.

5. Return to an upright position. Rise smoothly and maintain proper posture as you straighten up.

While the technique of bowing is important, what matters most is the sincerity behind the gesture.

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References:

MIGAKU. (2026). Japanese bowing: Learn the bowing culture to show respect in Japan. https://migaku.com/blog/japanese/japanese-bowing

Suzuki, M. (2015). Bowing in Japan. Tofugu. https://www.tofugu.com/japan/bowing-in-japan/

Yani, A. L. (2024). Three types of Japanese bow. Tokhimo Inc. https://www.tokhimo.com/post/different-type-of-bows-in-japan?lang=en