Do people bow in Japan?
In short
Good to knowYes, when greeting or thanking someone. For visitors, a light nod or slight bow (eshaku) is almost always enough.
When does this apply?
Bows are used for greetings, thanks, apologies and more. When shop staff say "arigato gozaimasu", a small bow in return already conveys your feelings.
Why?
Bowing is a Japanese way of showing respect and gratitude with the body. Its depth and length can express how strong the feeling is, but not knowing the finer rules is not rude.
What to do
- Give a slight bow when greeting or thanking someone
- Return a light bow when someone bows to you
- Combine it with words such as "arigato"
Better to avoid
- Try so hard to copy a deep formal bow that it becomes stiff and awkward
Exceptions and differences
More formal bows are used in business and at ceremonies. Among friends, a quick nod or a wave is common, and practice varies by generation and setting.
Manners can differ by region, facility and generation. Local signs and staff instructions come first.
Check with a quiz
As a visitor thanking shop staff, how should you bow?
Choose an answer
Sources
- Understanding and Mastering Japanese Manners and Etiquette(opens in a new tab)
- Custom & Manners(opens in a new tab)
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This text was written with AI assistance and has not yet been proofread by a person.