Body Language in Japan

Hello everyone. Today we meet again!^^ Now, we will explain about 'Body Language in Japan'. Let's check it!

1. Bow

2. Expressing that you're embarrassed or upset

3. The 'No, no' wave

4. Pointing your nose

5. Put hands together

6. Crossed index fingers 

7. The “Come, Come” hand wave toward you 

8. Chopping hand while walking 

9. Eye contact 

10.Nodding 

11.Tilting head

1. Bow

·         Bow with upper body to 15 degrees (informal)

Eshaku is bowing when meeting acquaintance and polite way of saying thank you or greeting someone casually.

·         Bow with upper body to 30 degrees (formal)

Keirei is how to bow when meeting business associations or customers, or show respect to someone of higher status.

·         Bow with upper body to 45 degrees (formal)

Saikirei is the most formal way to bow among 2 others, used when dealing with kings or showing respect for someone who has a very high status, can also be used when you want to apologize or make mistakes.

2.      Expressing that you’re embarrassed or upset 

The most common gesture in Japan. This gesture is used when feeling embarrassed about something or disappointed in someone.

3.      The “No, No” wave

This gesture is used when you want answer someone’s question with a rejection answer.

4.     Pointing your nose

This gesture is used when someone pointing to me. In western, people pointing on their chest, but in Japan pointing on their nose.

5.      Put hands together

This gesture is used when saying sorry, asking for light favors, and before starting a meal. This gesture is common to in Japan when they’re praying.

6.      Crossed index fingers

This gesture is used when you want ask for bill in restaurant but keep in mind that this gesture is very casual sign and you shouldn’t used in very nice restaurant.

7.       The “Come, Come” hand wave toward you

This gesture is used when you want call someone over. When you want call someone, your palm make sure facing toward to someone who you call. Keep in mind that this gesture is casual sign, so you shouldn’t used this gesture to people older than you.

8.       Chopping hand while walking

This gesture is often used by older men. This gesture is used when you want to get through the crowd.

9.       Eye contact

This is another way to greet people. When you can’t move or speak, eye contact can mean you know the person’s presence.

10   Nodding

This gesture is used when you understand what person said. This gesture is meaning too that you’re not against speech her/him.

11   Tilting head

This gesture is used when you doubt about what people said. Your eyes looking above toward either side. This gesture is meaning ‘no’ without directly saying so. In other case, they eyes usually looking down toward either side.