Changes

==Bowing==

==Bowing==

Simply put, the Japanese bow for ''everything'' - when greeting somebody; when saying farewell; when thanking somebody; when apologising; when making a request or asking a favour; or when acknowledging a comment or instruction. What differs is the depth of the bow - it can range from a nod of the head, to a full 90-degree bend at the waist.

Simply put, the Japanese bow for ''everything'' - when greeting somebody; when saying farewell; when thanking somebody; when apologising; when making a request or asking a favour; or when acknowledging a comment or instruction. What differs is the depth of the bow - it can range from a nod of the head, to a full 180-degree bend at the waist so that you face your own shoes.

The deeper the bow, the more respect you are showing the person you are bowing to. Thus, somebody of a higher social, or work status, would be deserving of a deep bow, whilst a nod is informal and casual, often used between friends. Although foreigners are expected to bow in these situations too, a nod of the head is acceptable, as they are not expected to know all the social conventions.

The deeper the bow, the more respect you are showing the person you are bowing to. Thus, somebody of a higher social, or work status, would be deserving of a deep bow, whilst a nod is informal and casual, often used between friends. Although foreigners are expected to bow in these situations too, a nod of the head is acceptable, as they are not expected to know all the social conventions.