Japan Invents a New Type of Bow

In Japan, a bow conveys a lot of messaging into a brief and sometimes slight movement.

 Using the wrong bow conveys the wrong message.

 For example, the eshaku, which is a 15º bow, is a casual greeting. The keirei, which is 30º, is a more formal bow used in the working environment.

 The saikeirei, which is 45º, expresses deep respect to a social superior.

 

The gentleman pictured above is demonstrating the dogeza, which is an abjectly apologetic bow used to beg for a great favor or forgiveness for a serious wrong.

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