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The bow that shook a Nation
Updated On: 16 November, 2009 08:10 AM IST | | Agencies
US media goes into a frenzy over President Barack Obama's low bow before Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko
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US media goes into a frenzy over President Barack Obama's low bow before Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko
Standing at over six foot in height, US President Barack Obama had to bow deeply as he paid his respects to the diminutive Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.
However, the bow drew a lot of flak from the American media, with some even calling him 'groveller-in-chief'.
The Drudge Report gave a banner headline to a photo of the encounter: "Obama bows before Japan's Emperor."
Drudge linked to a Los Angeles Times blog post that headlined the photo: "How low will he go?"
Some have decried it as a complete gaffe, some have pointed out the faux pas in Japanese etiquette of not
mixing a bow and a handshake, and others have commented that Obama is simply showing respect for other cultures.
But the comical sight, which saw the President bend almost double, will no doubt earn him nods of approval in Japan, where a low bow is a sign of great respect and deference.
Standing at over six foot in height, US President Barack Obama had to bow deeply as he paid his respects to the diminutive Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.
However, the bow drew a lot of flak from the American media, with some even calling him 'groveller-in-chief'.
The Drudge Report gave a banner headline to a photo of the encounter: "Obama bows before Japan's Emperor."
Drudge linked to a Los Angeles Times blog post that headlined the photo: "How low will he go?"
Some have decried it as a complete gaffe, some have pointed out the faux pas in Japanese etiquette of not
mixing a bow and a handshake, and others have commented that Obama is simply showing respect for other cultures.
But the comical sight, which saw the President bend almost double, will no doubt earn him nods of approval in Japan, where a low bow is a sign of great respect and deference.
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