As shown in this video, dozens of other foreign leaders shake Emperor Akihito's hand. Ours bows. So if he was trying to "do as the Romans", he did it wrong.
Interestingly, Obama also ducked a question about the atomic bombing of Japan, something that should be answered, "Read about Operation Downfall, and tremble."
He didn't do it wrong - Bowing is what the Japanese do. It is a sign of respect, and his bow was returned. He was completely correct - no face lost. The media LOVE to blow things out of proportion. That is why all this started.
According to this article, Japanese people (and most people from asian countries) will bow in greetings (among other things) to another japanese person and, when dealing with non-asian people, they will most-likely use a hand shake.
And as the video shows, a handshake is apparently considered acceptable for big shots like the king of Morocco. Just not for the leader of the country that conquered Japan, paid to rebuild it, and currently has troops stationed there. Cassen_grrrl's statement that Americans in general are ignorant and other cultures are "just as valid" is probably right in line with the President's beliefs.
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Interestingly, Obama also ducked a question about the atomic bombing of Japan, something that should be answered, "Read about Operation Downfall, and tremble."
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According to this article, Japanese people (and most people from asian countries) will bow in greetings (among other things) to another japanese person and, when dealing with non-asian people, they will most-likely use a hand shake.
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