By now, most people are familiar with the idea of people bowing to each other in Japan, and though it has been greatly exaggerated in movies and television, it is the method used when Japanese great each other. When bowing from a standing position, one stands at attention, hands to the side. A bow may consist of a nod of the head, or a 90-degree bend. The amount bowed depends upon how much respect the person bowing wishes to convey. When bowing from a sitting position, usually on a tatami mat, one sits with legs under the body (heal touching buttocks), and hands placed out on the floor.

It is not common in Japan to see people touch each other when they greet, and the shaking of hands is not customary.  Shaking of hands usually occurs between Japanese and foreigners, or at special events such as meeting a politician or celebrity.

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