Ojigi (お辞儀) or the act of bowing is definitely one of the most important part of Japanese culture. Bowing is used commonly in greeting a person as well as giving a deep apology. There are different levels and types of ojigi depending on the situation. In this article we will explain to you how to do the proper way of bowing in Japan and when you need to use it.
1. RITSUREI (立礼) or the Standing bow This is basically most common bow that you see in Japan. Ritsurei is used when greeting a friend or a colleague at work. Used also when visiting temples and shrines in Japan. This is also used when expressing deep apology. Ritsurei has 3 levels, the Eshaku (会釈), Keirei (敬礼) and Saikeirei (最敬礼).
A. ESHAKU – this is achieved by bending your upper body on a 15 degree level while keeping the hands on the side for men and in front of the lap for women while the eye gazing down. This is used when greeting friends or anyone with same status as you. Considered less formal but still respectful.
B. KEIREI – More formal than the Eshaku. This is achieved by bending the upper body on a 30 degree level. Can be used when greeting a person who is of higher status than you like your company managers or CEO as well as clients.
C. SAIKEIREI – Usually done when giving deep respect or deep apology. If you watch Japanese news, you will normally see people who are connected to scams or anomalies expressing their deep regret and apology when talking to media. They bend their upper body in a 45 degree level while holding it for 3-5 seconds.
Content credit: https://www.motivistjapan.com/what-is-the-proper-way-to-bow-in-japan/
Picture credit: https://www.quora.com/Can-I-shake-hands-with-people-instead-of-bowing-to-them-in-Japan
