How To Bow In Japan

Bowing is a deeply ingrained custom in Japanese culture and done on a daily basis. There are many varieties of bowing, from sitting (seiza) to standing (seiritsu). It is worth noting that when bowing, the slope of your back and the back of your head need to form a straight line. A curved bow is considered impolite. Depending on the occasion, the angle of your bow increases from about a 15-degree bow for greeting to a 30 to 45-degree respect bow. Find out all about bowing in Japan in this helpful infographic.