Is there a difference in bowing between Japanese men and women?

Answer 1

When Japanese men bow they bend forward from the waist, back straight, face down and there is no eye contact!

The culture of Japanese women (more Westernized now) is to follow several paces behind the man and to remain silent unless given permission to speak. If she is lucky enough to be introduced she must bend from the waist, face down and there is no eye contact EVER made with a male.

Even in modern society if one is doing business with a Japanese businessman it is important to follow his lead. If he bows, then you should bow exactly the same way in respect as another man or woman would do.

Repay a bow with a bow. In other words, if they bow, you bow. If they repeat, you repeat until the "Duel" is finished. You can bow lower than the person you are bowing to, as a sign of extra respect.

This is not common knowledge but Japanese men should bow with arms to their sides at all times. Women often bow by placing their hands upon their thighs and moving them down their thighs throughout the bow. It has become popular in some, but not all, parts of Japan for males to bow in the same manner as women.