Obama Fail | The Proper Bow

Its important to respect other peoples cultures, but it also important to do it correctly. Although the bow is the standard greeting, and sign of respect between fellow Japanese, replacing the handshake, hug, or kiss in other cultures, the Japanese most often show respect for foreigners with a simple hand shake. So it works both ways. Obama takes it too far and quite honestly doesn't do his homework. You don't bow and shake hands at the same time. Its also important that you keep eye contact and bow to the correct degree. As you see from the image above, Obama's attempts to go above and beyond the status quo in international politics ends in complete failure.

"The proper form for a bow is to bend from the waist with a straight back and to keep your arms at your sides, but as a foreigner you'll probably feel foolish and look pretty stupid if you try to imitate what the Japanese have spent years learning. A simple bob of the head is enough. Knowing that foreigners shake hands, a Japanese person may extend a hand but probably won't be able to stop from giving a little bow as well." - source

1. Put your feet together.
2. Place your hands at your sides if you are a man or join them low in front of your body if you are a woman (see the video for this).
3. Lean forward with only your chest and head.
4. Lean according to the occasion or situation[1]:
* Eshaku, a light bow. Lean forward by about 15 degrees to greet somebody "hello".
* Keirei, a general bow. Lean forward by about 30 degrees.
* Saikeirei, a bow for ceremonial occasions, thanks, and apologies. Lean forward by about 45 degrees.
5. Raise your chin and make eye contact.
6. Then come back up. - source