Job Discussion Forums

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

It's only 10:30 AM and I'm already over 30 times.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Uncountable

I love it when you pull out of a gas station and the attendant helps stop the traffic for you and gives you a deep bow. Along with the pit crew like service, it's worth every yen of the overpriced gas. I'm just afraid that one of the times when they're bowing to me in the middle of the road, some truck will come along and take them out. Shocked

Mr. Ishihara · Joined: 16 Sep 2003 Posts: 15

Never counted.... but when I returned to the States after
being in Japan it took me a day or 2 to stop..

Vince · Joined: 05 May 2003 Posts: 559 Location: U.S.

Zero. I just give a nod.

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Yep, I even bow when I'm talking on the phone.

Smooth Operator · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 140 Location: Japan

Only in very formal situations, or after receiving a kindness, so almost never! Do Japanese people expect us to bow? Feels a bit strange to me...

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I think they expect us to bow or at least nod. I do it driving all the time and it can be a little distracting.

I'm used to it now and was doing it back home unconsciously this summer and got some funny stares. Rolling Eyes

april · Joined: 07 May 2003 Posts: 83 Location: Australia

If I feel I must bow I do the full head tilt thing and lower my eyes. My bow is very stilted and I look stupid. Being an ex-ballet student I can courtsey very well though! But...mmm....me thinks that might make me even more ridiculous than my mechanical bow!