Obama Bows to Japanese Emperor: Obama in Japan

[chris2o4her]

Why do people make such a big ass deal about Obama bowing? I mean it's a such a frivolous topic. He's just showing the emperor a sign of respect it's a Japanese customary tradition. All you lame ass people posting vdeos about this nonsense, need to do some thing constructive with your time.

[amadeus5521]

Actually Both the Emperor and Empress bow to Obama as a sign of respect. The Emperor is Old, and can't be expected to bow as deeply as President Obama. You are right about one thing, You know nothing of foreign affairs...I'm only 24, and it saddens me to know that a 24 year old understands more about the world and other cultures than you. In stead of nitpicking over what you think is going on, I suggest you read a book, make a friend or do something to educate yourself about other cultures.

[toki1221]

japanese don't feel we are superior when we look at obama's bow, so don't care, american.

[sethland]

You're right .......you're not Miss Manners. Just plain ignorant redneck.

[tttfrenetic]

I am a foreigner and NO it's not becoming laughable. Done.

.

.

The rest of the world laughs when America says "Democracy" when it attacks an independent country it doesn't like. (economic & military)

[timickan]

sorry Miss Manners, but you cannot equally compare an Emperor or a King with your elected politician. You may worship your Presidents, but they aren't nobility, just government officials.

[RightPunditsMedia]

@timickan Americans don't bow to royalty. That's one of the reasons we fought the American Revolution. An American President can respect the customs, etc of other nations without bowing to their authority.

Its unpresidential to say the least and was an embarrassment to the Japanese.

[timickan]

@RightPunditsMedia

Canada, as part of the Commenwealth certainly do bow to royalty, and Canada is in America, so your statement is incorrect. I am unfamiliar with the customs of other countries in America though.

[RightPunditsMedia]

@timickan Yes, we know the continent is named 'America'. However, We can say 'Canadians' or 'Mexicans' or 'Brazilians', etc. Its a little difficult to say 'United Statesians'. So we say 'Americans'. Everyone knows what that means. Would Canadians rather be called 'American' too? No one would complain - but then, ppl from the US don't tend to have the inferiority complex that others on our continent seem to have at times.

[EdDy4RheelZ]

Gotta love false analogy and dichotomy that this bitch is spewing. Emperor not giving the bow back is equivalent to you putting up your hand and someone saying sike? WTF???? Is this bitch retarded? The elders do NOT have to bow to younger generation in East Asian culture, such as China, Japan and Korea. Obama's bow to the emperor was more of cultural awareness. Go learn history or stay in the kitchen, which is the only thing you're good for.

Btw, Handshake is WESTERN form of respect, not Asia.

[RightPunditsMedia]

@EdDy4RheelZ So what's wrong with Asian respecting Western culture as well? We understand the Japanese tradition of bowing. I have stood on train platforms throughout Japan watching the seemingly endless reciprocal bowing as someone was boarding the train. I never quite figured out what the proper way to STOP bowing was.

That aside. That is Japanese culture. American culture is that our Presidents don't bow to foreign power, even symbolically.

[EdDy4RheelZ]

@RightPunditsMedia Just letting you know, Japanese Emperor IS bowing. His punk ass is too old that he's only bent down like 2 degrees, just like rest of old folks who barely have a flexible vertebrae to bow. But even if he didn't, it's standard for him to not bow since he is the elder. Obama was never required to bow. Citizens of Japan are required to bow to the emperor. So, as I said, Obama's bow was more of cultural awareness, not superiority/royalty.

[sutoeben]

The Emperor didn'g bow cause maybe he's royalty and Obama is not?

[sutoeben]

maybe Akihito is not returning the bow cause he is royalty and obama is not.whats wrong with u yankees acting like ur culture is soooo superior.

[RightPunditsMedia]

@sutoeben WE don't think our culture is superior - out form of government is better than most (all?). But our culture deserves respect just like anyone else's. People just like bad-mouthing the USA because we ARE (or were before BObama got his hands on us) the land of opportunity.

[sutoeben]

@RightPunditsMedia Still,Akihito is royalty,whereas Obama is just the political leader of a country with no royal blood line at all.

[RightPunditsMedia]

@sutoeben So? He's not a subject of Japan.

[sutoeben]

ummm,the reason Akihito didn't return the bow is maybe cause he's royalty and obama is not?u yankees have to act like ur soo superior all the time.

[MrHiberto]

people that still argue over this are dumb the truth is that japanese customarily bow to each other and obama was just trying to show that he at least knew something about their customs get over it

[RightPunditsMedia]

@MrHiberto I might could cut him some slack on his attempt to cater to Japanese customs (in spite of protocol), except he seems to have made a habit of bowing to foreign royalty - except the Queen of England. They broke with British customs on that one big time. So that seems to negate your argument.

[PinataLove2083]

what is wrong with you people ?? nothing wrong with showing respect ... ? just because he is the president of USA you guys American think that everybody have to kiss our ass ??

[EvanTurkFilms]

It's been Japanese culture for centuries to bow to royalty and those older than you. The U.S doesn't have that custom, so the Japanese Emporer didn't feel the need to bow. Either that, or the fact that Akihito is 80 years old, has heart problems, and couldn't bow back to a fellow political figure.

[G1NZOU]

@EvanTurkFilms Also he's meant to be the godlike ruler chosen by the higher powers so he's not meant to bow to any other man.

According to ancient Japanese customs.

[trunkfunkowner]

Yes, we all got a lesson from right pundits in Louisiana, on how human beings ought to treat one -another. Queen KATRINA blew through the Big Easy... demonstrating to the whole world how right pundits treat their so-called neighbors. You have zero credibility in commenting how your country's leader ought to address the leaders of other Nations.

[trunkfunkowner]

Yes, we all got a lesson from right pundits in Louisiana, on how human beings ought to treat one -another. Queen KATRINA blew through the Big Easy... demonstrating to the whole world how right pundits treat their so-called neighbors. You have zero credibility in commenting how your country's leader ought to address the leaders of other Nations.

[metalmusicmike]

Wait, it's THEIR custom. Who Deems YOUR customs to be the correct one? We should respect all peoples customs, as long as they don't inflict on us to a degree that would cause us any harm or stress, or any of the positive discrimination bullshit. But then again, the American Government does enjoy getting involved in shit they don't need to, and dictating what it correct

[RightPunditsMedia]

@metalmusicmike you miss the point completely. Its not about whose culture is 'correct', its about respecting OUR culture as well as theirs. Other Presidents have managed to do it, why not this one?

Americans don't bow to royalty. We believe that 'all men are created equal'. Its as simple as that.

[metalmusicmike]

@RightPunditsMedia I think every single war America has ever become involved in contradicts that statement entirely. Every culture should be respected, granted, but that again contradicts the idea of equality. Equality works on the idea that we all work by the same principles, which we don't. Equality doesn't exist

[G3orgex]

The emporer bows to no one. That's why he didn't.

[TruongTrieu]

It great that Obama know the Japanese customs. Bow is like shaking hands for the West, nothing more.

[MrPentraxmul]

ok mis Manners learn that the rest of the world is not the USA and there are other traditions. As a person that says that the emperor dised the press you have not Idea of manners abroad. If I met you and ate at your table you would think that I was a civilized barbarrian. so Please learn aboout other cultures before you tell others that your countries leader is doing wrong or that he is being a complasent.

DO NOT FORGET THE U.S.A Is the only country to Test a nuke on (Japanness) popules.

[wunderbeast]

let me get this straight. obama is expanding government, doesn't question the policies of the federal reserve, giving out freebies to corporations at the expense of the american people, continuing bush foreign policies that will continue to increase anti-american sentiment, and THIS is what you criticize this administration about? no wonder the republican party is seen as irrelevant.

ron paul 2012

[metalmusicmike]

@wunderbeast epic win. And furthermore, she's from New Orleans. Didn't the American government turn a blind eye when hurricane Katrina struck?

[bgodwin1987]

Traditionally Monarchs don't bow to foreign leaders, the same reason why Elizabeth II dosen't curtsy.

[RightPunditsMedia]

@bgodwin1987 And the Obamas didn't bow to Queen Elizabeth. That makes my point.

If its okay for Kings, Queens and Emperors to not bow to other world leaders, why is it not okay for Presidents and other world leaders not to bow (recognize the superiority of) Kings, Queens and Emperors.

[pigat25]

this woman is a clown.LOL

[katie220]

I'm Japanese. I think president Obama is very polite and culturally competent. He earned so much respect from us.

[CupahNoodles]

Thank you katie220, this women is a loon, don't listen to her. She's not the majority in the USA.

[jonotrr]

"Culturally competent"? Has the Emperor himself ever bowed that low to a foreign head of state? I think not. Also a Japanese person told me today in another thread that a very low bow is sometimes used for apology. It's not the ordinary greeting of mutual respect among equals. (Also is mixing a handshake with a low bow culturally competent?) Forms of greeting between heads of state should be acceptable in both cultures (for the usual international protocol, see video 5U6fL7Y4BZA).

[jjjameson33]

no you're not

[TheMomotaro27]

queen elizabeth never bow back, nobody said anythg.

[Kiyotaka25]

mildly attractive woman who falsely believes that her opinions are worth something. she'd fit in very well on fox news.

[FireyTouch]

It's a sign of respect.. :S It's just like shaking your hand, if he came to you in America and refused to shake Obama's hand wouldn't that be seen as weird and disrespectful? It's the EXACT same thing, bowing isn't the same thing in all cultures. Go to school :)

[TheWoundsHeal]

AWESOME video!!!

[ElegantPaws01]

You are displaying the core reason the phrase "the Ugly American" was invented. There is this overall impression that only your manners of....for want of better words, "conduct" and clearly disrespecting other cultural motifs are to be upheld. No wonder few like you in the world.

[lokimagic]

wow, americans are ignorant and arrogant. greta perry is representing america very well. lmao

[muzalot]

in Japanese culture a deep bow is perceived as a sign of subservience, it was ignorant, inappropriate, embarrassing..

[TheWoundsHeal]

I completely agree.

[wing0410]

bow to monkey. good job. obama

[Hummer745]

Read a book before you try to educate others on foreign etiquette.

[rockinron59]

i like it .. nice show .. the Prez shoulnt bow to anyone .. next thing ya no , he'll be wearing a commie' uniform .. oshit he already did .. bad Prez ,bad ....

[peachyfuz101]

I stopped listening when you said Louisiana. What a loser state. Nobody cares what you uneducated inbreds think. Go away.

[marvincontendo]

americans

[fazal1]

no matter what you say he is much better man and president then bush and his Cheney . obama you go all the way we love you. you are better man who respect and understand others. that's the America we want to see.respect to you obama.

[platonicmojo]

ACtually, they ARE bowing. Luckily your president has probably done research before hand and knows that younger people are to give a full bow to older people or people who have been in simular positions longer b/c age is venerable. Knowing this he would have known that the emporer gives is sufficient... also by knowing Japanese female gender roles you would know that so is the emperess. Im not from either country but props to Obama for actually trying to understand a friend country.

[f01863]

Obama wasn't bowing,he was just looking for his balls,he had lost them previously in saudi arabia.The japanese emperor was apologizing to hussein for the BATAAN DEATH MARCH,hope and change said HUH????

[MsLetmecomment]

You are a shame on America with your video...Instead of being relieved you have a respectful President to represent you, you are talking insanities. Stop making of yourself a muppet. I do not believe you that your children are good-mannered especially if they do not see the importance of respecting other cultures...you are a big shame...go educate yourself .

[MsLetmecomment]

You are so disturbing...Don't you notice you are making a fool of yourself worldwide? America...you are a shame for America.

[bobdrinks]

Obama, PUSSY socialist! The japs are laughing.

[mohjoh1947]

sadly you are another example of what too many Americans dont know! which is basically next to nothing about other cultures.

[SirensFlute]

Did you see how old the emperor is? or did that just go through your night googles.

[xiaolintemple]

Bowing is a common greeting in the East is.

There also a problem?

Let's face the United States and a different culture.

[Guttan2k]

"Im not a foreign relations person". Then why would u stpuid bitch make a movie about something u dont know shit about? Fucking retarded hillbilly. Obama did everything right in that moment. Its sad that ppl like her and her lack of knowledge and ignorance makes ppl around the world believing that this is how stupid all Americans are...

When u meet these dumb asses on the street plz inform them that there are actually other countries outside US that actually speak other language than english...

[bx19tzi]

I received impression to President Obama's bow very much.

It bows similarly to the handshake and the hug of the American when greeting it in Japan.

It is not an act that only to the emperor does.

A lot of Japanese have been impressed by doing of President Obama the greeting of the Japanese style.

[hawkermustang]

Then your Emperor should have bowed back, he did not and that was disrespectful. Your emperor made our president look like a fool.

[MsLetmecomment]

@bx19tzi not at all...should see the video and not the picture.

[tenacioustaut]

What the Pope is to Christains is as what the emperor of Japan is to Japanese.

[roleystone]

how it is not logiclal lol

[cyclohexane1]

can some tell this woman that the Emperor never bows and instead nods. Granted the bow from the President was exaggerated but it was nothing like kissing the Saudi king's cheek and holding hands, by the way I guess she forgot those pictures. And even that was Bush being culturally sensitive. Problem is ignoramuses like this who even proclaim their ignorance of matters they about to discuss dilute what is left of America's view of the outside world. At least few agree with her bull

[MaxxG]

you are just horrible

[stevenyou]

terrible.

[BenturaLafaille1]

hahah lol

[madman3247]

Contradiction......You said you know nothing of foreign relations, so you should have stopped there hypocrite. It is out of respect for his superior and elder, tradition of culture. The president has been in office for what, 300 days. Emperor Akihito acceded to the throne in 1989, and is the 20th most senior monarch or lifelong leader in the world. Japan is also an older country than the US and because of all this, Obama should be showing his respect to someone greater than himself.

[jknight1010]

ha OF COURSE it's better to kill iraqis and be an arrogant asshole than show respect to japanese custom when you meet the emperor of japan. you are RIGHT on point! I REALLY  love americans like you....btw, yes, japanese emperor's bowing too, it's just that he's old so he can't do 90 degrees.

[dtrance71157]

You whine about Obama bowing to kings,but George Bush was dancing with natives and playing drums on his trips to Africa.Does a Leader of the Free World do that ?

[RJY4356]

YES.

[Psittacine]

Motivated reasoning. Look it up, lady.

[admtutt]

Do you remember when G Bush vomited on the prime minister of Japan?

Was that in your Southern Book of International diplomacy?

[dinyar65]

Obama did bow to the Queen of England. But in Japan you have to bow as if you are bending.

[spruce74]

I'm shocked to see so many saying such thing as "emperor didn't return the bow". The man is almost in his 80's with an irregular heartbeat, and only got two seconds to respond to U.S. President bowing like no other while shaking his hand.

[sutoeben]

@spruce74 Because Obama is a little more well traveled and educated than Bush.;)

[RightPunditsMedia]

@sutoeben That's actually not true. You typing that here doesn't make it true either. Good try though.

[alita86]

Yay, let's talk about useless things like this when there are more important issues to talk about.

[miermj]

Very refreshing video, thanks.

[dnhook]

typical liberal American hating asshole. why don't you move to Cuba where you'll be welcome.

[dajini111]

finally! some one say truth! then what about the 39.09%? the rich and the no care attidude of the world and 00.01 is the elite that control americans .....loooks like america is in big trouble

lol

[inmyforties]

well i'm glad you threw in all the disclaimers and caveats at the beginning about not being an expert on manners and foreign relations customs and protocols coz they're the only accurate part in this vacuous bit of yours

[akiyo312]

Here is in japan. This is our common greeting to respect each others. US President Obama he know how to behave and i respect him !!

[dajini111]

yes much agreed.

I respect him for bowing to my Emperor

[taftsearlobe]

how come he has never bowed to the queen of England?

[sutoeben]

@akiyo312 he's a little more well traveled then Bush.これを見てからオバマのこと好きになりました。

[RightPunditsMedia]

@sutoeben Actually, he isn't.

[sutoeben]

@RightPunditsMedia I was talking about Obama.This shows that he actually respects other countries and cultures whereas Bust just went around with his head held high preaching "American superiority".

[RightPunditsMedia]

@sutoeben I knew you were talking about Obama and no, he ISN'T more well traveled than Bush. His bowing to the Emperor showed how little he understands other cultures. He knew they bowed, but didn't understand why. He also doesn't apparently understand why Americans DON'T bow to royalty. A President should understand his OWN culture - the culture he is supposed to be leading and representing. And YES, he should this his county is the best. He shouldn't be President if he doesn't think that.

[sutoeben]

@RightPunditsMedia You mean it is below Americans to bow or show respect to royalty at all?It is that attitude why ur country is one of the most hated.Cause apparently ur above everyone else.

[RightPunditsMedia]

@sutoeben you are intentionally twisted things just to bad-mouth America. If you hate the US, that's your business. Showing respect and bowing are 2 different things.

[sutoeben]

@RightPunditsMedia That's cause u dont understand the culture.some countries shake hands,some bow,and some kiss.Foreigners go to the US and adapt to local customs,u think at least americans could do the same.

[davedavedaveannoy1]

@akiyo312 The nod of your head or a simple lean is respectful, he nodded to your leader as a position of submission. Obviously your people must feel very honored but this is the first time in history our president has submitted to a foreign leader and quite frankly I and majority of America are not too pleased, your emperor is a living "God", I understand, but our president is simply kissing ass to get to higher places. He also bowed like this to the Saudi Arabian leader, the king of oil. Get it

[Elmaln]

I have no idea what you meant to accomplish with this drivel.

[sean3459]

American is has tanked and you needed the hand-out from Suads and Japan, wild mouth princess

[cymruisrael]

You got it sooooooooo wrong. It is expected that everybody bows to the Japanese emperor and he does NOT bow back. As you said, you are not an expert.

[jwbaumann]

You are a beautiful lady and a breath of fresh air!