Buzz Over Obama's Bow to the Emperor of Japan

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According to Mr Miyagi in the Karate Kid he says "look eye, always look eye" in reference to bowing. President Obama looked like he was bowing at a recital or something.

Kevin Kato of MI 10:27PM November 18, 2009

No one who has not lived in Japan can adequately interpret the meaning of Obama's bowing to the emperor. As an American who lived for three years among Japanese people, I can tell you that his bow was absolutely the right thing to do, and I'm proud that my president respected the protocol of the nation where he was a guest. Indeed, one should bow in this manner to any older person in Japan. (I think the emperor is older than Obama).
Criticism of this is a surprise, and will prompt me to write to Obama and thank him for representing our people in that gracious fashion while visiting Japan, a long-time ally of the U.S.

Margaret of MN 2:35PM November 18, 2009

Honestly how is this even an issue? The President is a visitor to a foreign country in which he has absolutely no power in therefore, whether he was the American, British, or even Russian head of State, a Japanese bow showed a form of respect to another equal leader in the world. Flip the coin and imagine Prime Minister Hatoyama, visiting the United States and shaking President Obama's hands? would that make him A weak prime minister? seeing that no leader of japan should EVER "shake hands with another head of state around the world?
keeping in mind hand shaking is not the standard greeting in Japanese culture

Rick of NY 12:00AM November 18, 2009

Look - many of you don't get it.
Yes - bowing may be considered polite here and a gesture there...but The President of the United States of America should bow to no man. Regardless. Period. End of Story.

SimpleConcept of PA 11:37PM November 17, 2009

You disagree with somebody and they are a racist. OMG. Get over yourselves people. President Obama's bow was totally out of place, and at the very best, shows the naiveté and lack of diplomatic preparation on the part of this administration. Those of you who voted for this total neophyte are getting what you deserve; the humiliation and degradation of the United States' position as the leader of the free world. Enjoy. You're all going to be out of office in the next cycle. The independents in this country won't stand for this kind of nonsense.

Joey of CA 10:34PM November 17, 2009

Hey reader! Amerika isnt the only country in the world. There are multiple ways to greet someone. In amerika we shake hands. In Japan, they bow. Stop being racist. Please. Thanks in advance!

Alex Gallegos of CA 9:20PM November 17, 2009

Nixon? Bowed to Mao. Lots of other examples. Just a bunch of racists again. Ignore them. End of story.

tjw of OR 9:14PM November 17, 2009

It's bad enough that he did it to the Saudi King, now the Emperor of Japan. Just one more in string of embarrassing blunders by Obama largely ignored by his fawning mainstream media.
And dhbsedh, you obviously do not get it.

knaup of KS 9:04PM November 17, 2009

Obama's low bow is a very clever gesture. As a Chinese, I belive he have already achieved a lot by such a single bow... He has won a lot of understanding and respects from ordinary Japanese people, as well as some elite Japanese politician...Some silly Americans may think they were embassed very much by such a rediculous bow, but the US has actually got and will continually get more from Japan... the feeling of ordinary Japanese to the US is getting to a more positive direction. what does pragmatism mean? the real powerful man never show his strength...the real deep confidence makes you never mind a humility which is always meant in an incapable man...

Ed 8:09PM November 17, 2009

It's very interesting to read many comments about Mr. Obama's bow.
As a Japanese, however, I don't really understand why many people care much about the hight of the bow. First of all, our emperor is Japan's figure, not the political leader. Therefore, to us, that was as if our leader paid respect to the US national flag, a symbolic figure of the United States. Second, we don't care the hight of the bow as much as you may think we do. Certainly the hight of the bow indicates the degree of respect. However, that is not necessary to associate with the relationship (who is in higher position). I know this may be hard to understand, but very true. Indeed, I would not hesitate at all to bow very low to my subordinate in order to show my feeling (et. gratefulness, thankfulness). Yes in Chinese culture, issues of which is in higher position is extremely significant. But, in Japan, we don't really care that things. We would never ever think that Mr. Obama was weak by his bow (note that Chinese would do). After all, we Japanese respect the person with politeness.

yoshi 8:02PM November 17, 2009