Bowing is an art form

Bowing is probably a feature of Japanese etiquette must known outside of Japan. It is incredibly complex.

There are basic bows, informal bows, formal bows, VERY formal bows, apology bows, thanking bows, and the super confused and complicated combined handshake and bow. The length, depth and repetition of the bow are all exceedingly complicated and shrouded in meaning. It's really little wonder that we westerners get it wrong more often than not! (The subtext here is that I spent an afternoon bowing hopelessly unlike my colleague in the picture who did it better than most… )

Be pretty if you can, be witty if you must, but be gracious if it kills you.
Elsie De Wolfe