Bowing Culture in Japan Revisited
Bowing is an important form of social communication in Japan. Whether it's a short sumimasen accompanied by a brief lowering of the head at someone for bringing you a cup of coffee (which essentially means "sorry for inconveniencing you" in this case, even though we'd just say "thank you" in English in the same situation), or a gomen nasai said with a deeper bow for communicating a more serious apology, Japan's culture of bowing is interesting to observe. The ultimate form of a bowing is the dogeza, when a person places their body on the lowest level possible, literally touching their face to the ground. This is done in many cases to ask for forgiveness for something, but also to make an important request of someone. In ToraDora, Ryuji is taken aback when Minori suddenly prostrates herself in front of him, asking that he take good care of her friend Taiga. She had gotten the mistaken idea that the two of them were dating, and she wanted to beg of Ryuji that he make Taiga happy.
The ultimate expression of humility is the dogeza. And I love Minori-chan.
posted by Peter in Japan at 4:56 PM
2 Comments:
I like politeness! Wish there was more here in the States!
10:12 PM
"The ultimate expression of humility is the dogeza"
Correctamundo, of course.
Though, it's also one hell of a weapon. Imagine you do it when there are several witnesses. How could the other person deny what you're asking of him/her without losing face?
I've been in that situation once and I hope I'll never end up in it again. It was extremely uncomfortable for me. What was I supposed to do? Shrug it off and go "No, sod off?"
6:22 PM
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