The art of the bow

In Japan, a bow can say hello, thank you, sorry, or goodbye — sometimes all at once. Instead of a handshake or the Tunisian double kiss on the cheeks, people bend from the waist, keeping the back straight and the eyes down. There are levels: a light 15° nod (eshaku) for colleagues and shopkeepers, a fuller 30° bow (keirei) for customers or teachers, and a deep 45° bow (saikeirei) for serious apologies or deep gratitude. Don't stress about the exact angle. As a visitor, a small sincere nod with a smile is always welcome — Japanese people don't expect foreigners to master bowing, and warmth counts more than geometry.