This has gotten an unusual level of attention. The US media must be bored. While I certainly welcome criticism of Obama on many points, bowing isn’t one of them.
In modern Japanese culture a bow is often a greeting of mutual respect. If I were to meet with a new potential business partner, we would probably both bow at some point during the introduction. The goal is not to show either of us is less or more than the other, but that we appreciate the interaction. We are willing to work together as equals. Like business, international politics demands that you respect a variety of cultures if you wish to be taken seriously. Any other expectation is derived from arrogance.
At first glance the exchange seems unequal. Emperor Akihito does not bow in return. It is important to consider that Akihito doesn’t have to shake hands but he does so to respect our custom. This is easily missed if you’re looking at the exchange from an American perspective where shaking hands is obligatory. Obama is just showing the same kind of respect.
At least Japan gets the idea. The simple gesture of a bow may earn Obama some bad reputation in the US. It earned some good feelings in Japan. Even if the handshake/bow combo is a bit odd, why should he have not done it? What is so wrong with turning to a local custom of respect to show your own as a visiting head of state?
Nothing.
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