'A bow isn't simply a greeting': The unspoken rules of Japanese body language
Zach JaworskiFrom calling someone over to asking for the bill, learning common Japanese hand gestures can help you navigate social situations in Japan without saying a word.
To outsiders, Japanese body language may seem confusing. We might use different body parts or move our hands in a different direction than other cultures to express disapproval or make a request.
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Mizuki Uchiyama is a Japanese journalist who lived for more than a decade in both Tokyo and Osaka.
But here in Japan, where manners and etiquette are highly valued, body language is a powerful tool we use to communicate – and a tangible way for visitors to step inside our culture.
For instance, a simple goodbye can look very different depending on whom you're saying it to.
When I say goodbye to a friend my own age, I'll usually wave. But if I'm saying goodbye to someone older, I might bow – even if I know them well. I will never point at them, no matter how well I know them. And if I'm meeting someone for the first time, I won't shake their hand.
Whether you encounter non-verbal cues at a crowded tourist site, in an izakaya (gastropub) or on public transportation, understanding them is ultimately about recognising that any kind of communication in Japan is deeply influenced by our awareness of social relationships. Even someone one year older than you might be considered your senpai (senior). That's why I will bow to someone older than me, bow only slightly to an acquaintance, visitor or serviceperson, but wave to someone my own age, or someone who is my kohai (junior). How deeply I bow shows how deep my respect, gratitude or apology is.
Another concept that plays into Japanese body language is omoiyari. Often translated as "consideration for others", omoiyari is about imagining how someone else might feel and acting thoughtfully as a result. So, to avoid disturbing others, our hand gestures are subtle, not loud or exaggerated, and to respect other people's personal space, we typically maintain distance in our interactions, reserving physical contact for special cases. In crowded places, we discreetly make room for people – there's a hand gesture for that, too.
Of course, Japanese people don't all communicate the same way. And not every gesture you encounter carries a hidden meaning – a thumbs-up, for example, generally conveys the same positive message in Japan as it does in many Western countries. But for visitors, even if you don't speak Japanese, learning to read our body language will help you connect with us – all without saying a single word.
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