Yes

by Sandi Crain

Created on: January 11, 2010

Although the United States and her leaders are well known for their arrogance, it is proper etiquette for President Obama to bow not just before the Emperor of Japan but before any Japanese elder while visiting their country  There's an old saying that is still relevant today:  When in Rome, do as the Romans do.  And, in Japan, bowing to one's elders is a sign of respect for the wisdom that comes with age.  The leader of any country that has ever had a friendship with Japan knows this.  They also know that not bowing to the Emperor will be seen as an insult and will not benefit the relationship between the two countries. 

Japan is a very old civilization that has kept many of its ancient traditions through some very difficult times.  Whether it was the invasion of China or the nuclear attack from the U.S., the code of honor  from the era of the Shogun remains.  They may have had to readjust  a few things so it translates from the battlefield to the boardroom but this code is still strong today.  For example, if you are attending a Japanese business meeting, don't just sit anywhere.  Unlike American tradition, the guest is not in a place of honor.  Wait until you are seated.  The head of the meeting will always be seated at the head of the table with everyone else placed next according to their importance to the company.  Also, it is polite if you bring a gift from your hometown that will help them understand where you are from.  If, for example, you come from a coastal community in Maine you might bring some lobsters.  Or, if you're from Philadelphia you might bring an accurate replica of the Declaration of Independence.  If they like you, they might give you a gift, too. 

Eating with the Japanese family is a true lesson in etiquette.  The elder male sits at the head of the table and the elder female serves all the food.  There is no grabbing your own food in a traditional Japanese household.  (The most interesting thing is how they decide importance in the family.  There is the eldest, the head of the family.  The eldest son is next in line.  The eldest son of the eldest son, regardless of age, comes third).  The guest never eats before the head of the household takes his first bite.  He may nod to let the guest know when it's OK  to begin eating. 

Everyone, not just President Obama, should learn how to bow before meeting anyone in Japan.  Bowing is not only a way the Japanese greet others but also expresses thanks, an apology, precedes a request, or before asking a favor.  A person of high social status (which includes being older and wiser) requires a deep, longer bow while an informal greet with a peer only requires a slow nod.  Although the Japanese are tolerant of a foreigner's lack of knowledge of the culture and will usually not be slighted by a quick nod, they know that leaders of foreign countries are taught  Japanese etiquette in advance of a first meeting and are less likely to forgive a slight such as not bowing.   

The President of the United States is charged with the job of representing every American abroad.  If Obama does not bow to the Emperor of Japan he not only makes us all look bad but can even ruin our business relationships in the future.  This, we cannot afford.   

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