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What is the Japanese gesture called where...

edited November 2006 in Everything Else
... someone puts one fist out in front of them in to their other open hand and slightly bows his head? What does it mean? I've seen it in anime and Hiro on Heroes does it too.

Comments

  • I think it's just a normal bow, but its likely also meant to show that the bower is unarmed perhaps, originally. Like how handshakes originated.
  • edited November 2006
    I'm not sure about the Japaneses, but for the Chinese it seems to be a respectful bow done by the more educated or scholars. At least that is the impression I got from watching old Chinese soaps as a kid :p
    Post edited by Kite on
  • I'm pretty sure that's not a Japanese bow. The standard Japanese bow is done with hands flat against the sides.
  • yeah I'm almost 100% it's Chinese in origin. Generally it's used like a handshake before a martial arts match. I don't think I've ever seen it used in any other situation.
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