why do japanese prefer bowing their heads instead of a warm handshake?

Philippines
June 30, 2010 1:03pm CST
I have lived in Japan for more than a dozen years yet I still do not know the real reason why they'd rather bow their heads several times to acknowledge the other person being introduced to them or every time they greet someone than doing the more popular handshake. Is it really about hygiene? Or do they have other reasons behind this bowing gesture? Some people do not want to do the handshake as they believe in the negative vibes that could get transferred to them by people who are under momentary bad luck spells. And taking chances is a bit too risky. However, some of my young Japanese friends told me that no one knows for sure but they believe that the true reason behind the bowing of heads when greeting someone instead of handshaking is HYGIENE. How about you my friends? What do you think is the real reason behind this gesture?
3 responses
dweebs_8000_j
@dweebs_8000_j (885)
• Philippines
1 Jul 10
maybe that symbolizes How they Bow their Heads in Temples, and Represents Respect...
rovian
@rovian (1924)
• United States
30 Jun 10
I have a Japanese book, and their is a page that explains bowing. I read it again after seeing this discussion and it doesn't mention a reason. Bowing is a part of their culture. It's just something they do. Why do some others shake hands instead of doing something else? The person of a lower rank bows lower and longer then the person of a higher rank.
ddaguno
@ddaguno (3107)
• Philippines
30 Jun 10
I think it's just how they do it. For them it's respectful and that's how it's been done ever since. Just like Indians. They shake their heads when they agree when for us shaking the head means no. It's just the culture I think.