When getting acquainted or greeting each other, the Japanese do not shake hands, but bow. Again, form is crucial! The head and back should be perfectly aligned, forming a straight line, while the legs and hips should remain still.

The depth of the bow varies depending on the rank of your interlocutor. The most common bow involves a torso angle of about 15°, but in most cases a polite nod of the head is sufficient.

The Japanese are so used to bowing that they sometimes even do it on the phone! Bowing is a very versatile gesture that can also be used to apologise if necessary.