Bowing in Japan?????

Question

when is it appropriate to bow to Japanese people?

and how deeply should you bow?

and how should you bow(like what should you do with your hands and what not)?

Answer 1

The simplest answer to when is that the bow replaces the western hand shake.  Not being Japanese you would not be expected to adhere to the formalities of how deep to bow according to the station of the person you are bowing to.  Don't over do it, bow your head and a slight forward bow at the waist will do.  Hands should be at your side.

Answer 2

Usually, they bow almost after every statement.  It's not an obvious bow, but rather a slight nod.  They've been taught to bow since they were little, so it's become a habit.  For example, when someone is on the phone, they will still bow, sometimes a nod, and sometimes deeper, even though they cannot physically see the other end.

How deeply you bow depends on the status of the person you are talking to.  If you are talking to elders, it would be polite to bow a bit deeper.  Like if you are conversing with your boss or someone of higher occupational status than you, you'd probably bow 90 degrees.  You'd bow probably 20 to 30 degrees to someone of lower status, or just supply a simple nod.  A 45 degree angle is probably the most common.

Usually, it is common to nod after each sentence, but please do not over do it.  What I mean is, the best way is to simply use your own judgement.  Usually after each "Sou desu ne..." or "...desu." or "...desu ne." there would be a slight nod.  Once again, it's not really a "formal" bow if you are just conversing with a stranger or a friend, it's more of a "lunge" if that makes any sense.  Bowing is more likely to be reserved for those higher than you [that is of now in the modern world].

It is probably better to bow back than to not.  It is probably better to over do it then to not do it at all.  

I hope this helped.  

Answer 3

There rarely is occasion to bow anymore. You will see workers bow as you enter certain businesses or on the shinkansen as the workers come and go with the cart but you do not bow back.

If you meet someone and they bow then it is polite to bow back an equal amount. Do not look them in the eye. Look down when you bow and keep your arms at your side. That is the proper way to do it.

Unless you are going to a tea ceremony or an elaborate event you will likely not bow at all. This is Japan of the past and movies not modern Japan. People likely will not expect you to bow as a gaijin.