Bowing back in Japan?

[Lizboo]

We just got nack last night and ate in both Japanese restaurants. One question..when the cast members there bow at you, should you bow back? Is it considered impolite if you don't?

TIA

 

[glendalais]

You're more than welcome to, if you like. If you choose to do so, a quick, shallow bow from the waist should suffice.

The Japanese Cultural Representative Cast Members do understand that North Americans may not be familiar with the custom. Bowing in Japan is very much a complicated social practice, with the degree of the bow, the length of the bow and the number of bows being driven by things such as relative social position between the two persons, context in which the bowing takes place, and the intended message of the bow (greeting, apologies, humility, deferrence, etc.). It's something that many Japanese don't always do right themselves, I doubt they'd expect you to be an expert in it.

Unless you do something over-the-top, I can't believe they would take offense.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

We just got nack last night and ate in both Japanese restaurants. One question..when the cast members there bow at you, should you bow back? Is it considered impolite if you don't?

1) As a matter of courtesy, I always do at least a head nod.
2) If I feel really in the mood, I will do a waist bow.

 

[lilosurf11]

Whenever I buy anything from any of the Japanese shops, I do a slight bow. (yay for minoring in asian studies with a focus on japan!)

 

[pixiechick]

I do a modified head/shoulder type of bow.

Nothing over the top, but enough to let them know I'm trying to show respect.

 

[AquaDame]

I bow back with my hands cupped in front of me (I'm a girl, if I was a guy they would be kept at my side) and not looking them in the eye but down as they do. Luckily since they are 'serving' you, you don't have to bow as deeply, but no since you are a foreigner they do not usually mind if you do not do so (everyone feels slightly different about it I bet).

 

[coconutprincess]

I do a modified head/shoulder type of bow.

Nothing over the top, but enough to let them know I'm trying to show respect.

Yep! That's what I do as well.

 

[DisneyFamily123]

Mr. Myagi in Karate Kid said "Look Eye, Always Look Eye!"

Are there differences in eye contact with the bow that mean different things? I get different stories on this.... in Korean martial arts, I always understood it to be impolite to not maintain eye contact when bowing... whether a casual greeting, or beginning a competition, etc...

I'm probably wrong though....

 

[nessz79]

Interesting thread!

I have never quite known what to do. I usually smile and maybe dip my head a little, but am never quite sure if I'm doing anything even remotely right.

 

[Cat0727]

I do a modified head/shoulder type of bow.

Nothing over the top, but enough to let them know I'm trying to show respect.

Me too. And since I know a little Japanese, I say "thank you" as well.

 

[natebenma]

This is a thoughtful thread. Thanks for posting the question!

 

[AquaDame]

Mr. Myagi in Karate Kid said "Look Eye, Always Look Eye!"

Are there differences in eye contact with the bow that mean different things? I get different stories on this.... in Korean martial arts, I always understood it to be impolite to not maintain eye contact when bowing... whether a casual greeting, or beginning a competition, etc...

I'm probably wrong though....

In karate yes, you look your opponent in the eye in case they try something; when in other social situations its rude and means you do not trust them.