0Bowing is perhaps the best-known form of Japanese etiquette. Bowing is so important in Japan that most companies provide training to their employees on the right execution of the act. The custom of bowing is more complicated than most people think. Bowing can be used for introductions, appreciation, apologies, and greetings. The specific intricacies of bowing are far more complex, with duration and depth of bow prescribed for every circumstance.
Basic bows are usually done with a straight back,with hands at the side (for men) or clasped in the lap (women), and with eyes down. Bows originate at the waist. The deeper and longer the bow, the stronger the respect and emotion.
Bows are of three primary types: formal, very formal, and informal. Informal bows are usually made to a 15 degree angle: perhaps just tilting the head forward. More formal bows describe a 30 degree angle and are deeper. Apologetic bows tend to be deeper and longer than all the other kinds of bow. The back is bent for about 45 degrees, the bow lasts for more than three seconds, and the head is lowered.
