he knows whom to show his respect,the most important thing in Japanese culture are manners and respect

a bow in japan is a sign of respect.

This editing cracks me up. Well for anyone that cares, Princess Diana also showed proper respect to the Emporer by doing two full deep curtsies. Although, she was never a Queen so an Emperor would have heirarchy over her.

"[The bow] is part of a greeting, with which one shows his or her willingness for the meeting." - Reiko Kasai, chief instructor at JAL Academy.

Just coming back from Japan. Glad our president respects their traditions. Shows an amazing understanding of foreign cultures in general. This is why is so respected and listened to abroad. Open your mind, travel a bit, you'll see what I am talking about.(Still has no clue what G.W was trying to do while looking for that hidden door in China! Remember those days?)

I think this shows that he is a straight forward person. He carried his umbrella while stepping out of the aircraft at Shanghai airport.

He did the right thing.

The bow was originally meant to show opposing generals that they had no sword on their back while maintaining a forward facing angle.

He is simply showing respect to his imperial majesty

It was also kinda stupid in that he took his eyes off the person he was bowing to, and tried to shake his hand at the same time.

His Majesty is returned the bow.

HotLeper: Try this. Obama: 1 bow, 1 handshake. Other leaders: 0 bows, 45+ handshakes.

utterly terrifying. we're all dead. we're all dead.

The Japanese are aware that we don't normally bow, that's why the emperor just shook hands, because that's one of our customs.

Tidbit: In Japanese custom when you bow (ojigi) to anyone you bow also to their ancestors as well. Thus in bowing to Japanese Emperor Akihito, he bowed to his father Emperor Shōwa, thus the despot that bombed Pearl Harbor.

Respect even? I think by the shocked look at his holiness's face that his Imperial Majesty was quite shocked by the deference