Japanese Greeting Rituals

Japanese greeting rituals are signs of respect that establish and reaffirm relationships. If you visit or move to Japan, respect the local culture by learning and understanding Japanese greeting rituals.

Bowing

The Japanese greet one another by bowing, and address one another by adding the suffix "-san" to the end of a person's name as a sign of respect. When bowing, men keep their arms straight down at their sides with their palms facing inward, while women keep their arms straight down in front of them with their hands crossed and palms faced down.

Features of Verbal Address

Less formal greeting suffixes include "-chan," which is used to address female friends or children, and "-kun," which is used among male children and teens. The Japanese also use "-sama" for people of service or higher status.

Significance

The depth and length of a bow depends on the relationship and level of respect. The Japanese bow 20 degrees to greet service people or acquaintances and 30 to 90 degrees to greet someone of higher status.

Considerations

Although the Japanese may assume to shake hands with foreigners, take the initiative to bow out of respect. The Japanese also bow when departing or to express thanks, apologize or make a request. Always address a Japanese person using the suffix "-san," and never add "-san" to your own name when introducing yourself.

References

• AllSands: Bowing in Japan
• Japan-Guide.com: Japanese Bowing
• Japan Uptown: Japanese Greeting Etiquette and Customs - Lesson One on Forms of Address
• Japan Uptown: Japanese Greeting Etiquette and Customs - Lesson Two on Bowing
• FactsandDetails.com: Japanese Customs, Manners and Etiquette