I've been to Japan, and I know there is a lot of consideration given to bowing, so I am not sure how this will go over in Japan. However, a quick check of google finds:
"Bowing seems simple, but there are different ways of bowing. It depends on the social status or age of the person you bow to. If the person is higher status or older than you are, you should bow deeper and longer."
I know that older people are revered in Japan, a difficult concept for Americans to grasp,
so Obama bowing to an older person would not be out of line.
I am interested in how the Japanese respond to this.
http://www.examiner.com/x-16352-Jap...s-reaction-to-Obama-bowing-before-the-Emperor
[All comments translated from Japanese]
“What a bow!”
“Such a deep bow from Obama, what a fine guy.”
“I’m surprised he bowed. He’s really trying hard to meet the Japanese way!”
“President Obama is a top-class person, isn’t he? Amazing!”
“The Emperor is giving a nice smile!”
“Is the Japanese Emperor really that special?”
“The Emperor or the Pope, the President or the Prime Minister, whoever is greater is not something that I think can be decided objectively.”
“I laughed because it was a much better bow than I had imagined.”
“Obama’s huge!”
“Obama has more of a true Japanese heart than most Japanese do.”
Clearly Obama has destroyed America's image of strength, get ready for another attack from Japan.
Edit: Fox News has: "A photograph shows President Obama bent at a nearly 90-degree angle while shaking the hand of Japanese Emperor Akihito. "
Nearly 90 degrees? Are they sure he wasn't trying to kiss his feet?