The Japan Insight for Business

What Are Japanese People Really Saying When They Bow?

Bowing is a small but important part of everyday business life in Japan.

But what does a Japanese bow actually mean?

Is it simply a greeting?

An apology?

A sign of respect?

And why do Japanese people sometimes bow even when they are on the phone?

In this episode of The Japan Insight for Business, we explore the meaning behind Japanese bowing and how it is used in the workplace.

This is not simply a guide to how to bow.

It is an introduction to the cultural meaning and communication behind the gesture.

What’s inside?

This 27-page PDF learning material includes:

• 🎙️ The podcast script with furigana
• Follow along with the podcast while checking the Japanese reading and vocabulary.
• 🎨 Original manga
• Learn Japanese workplace culture through easy-to-understand situations and visual storytelling.
• 📚 Vocabulary, grammar & conversational expressions
• Key Japanese words, grammar points, and expressions from the episode are explained in an accessible way.
• 🇯🇵 Common stumbling points for foreigners working in Japan
• Discover situations that may seem confusing or unexpected when working with Japanese colleagues.
• ✏️ Review exercises
• Check your understanding and reinforce what you have learned.

Who is this for?

This material is designed for people who:

• Work or plan to work in Japan
• Work with Japanese colleagues or business partners
• Study Japanese and want to understand Japanese workplace culture
• Want to understand what Japanese people mean, not just what they say

Before you buy

Not sure if this material is right for you?

You can check the sample PDF first and decide whether you'd like to purchase the full version.

Learn Japanese workplace culture from a different perspective —

not just the language, but the culture behind it.