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If you’re a fan of anime or samurai movies, you may have seen a character perform a dogeza, or fall to their knees and bow their head to the ground. While the context will probably clue you in to what’s going on, you may have wondered what exactly such an extreme bow means in Japanese culture. Read on to learn more about the means of dogge and how–and when–to perform it.
Dogeza is a traditional Japanese posture that involves kneeling on the ground and bowing low with the forehead touching the ground. It is a way of expressing deep regret, deep respect or making a sincere request. Its literal translation is “prostrated on the ground.”
Sit on the floor in a kneeling position. Bend your knees under you so that your shins are resting on the floor and you are sitting on your heels. Keep your back straight and your shoulders stretched.[4]
Lean forward and place your hands on the floor in front of you. Place one hand on top of the other vertically, forming a loose triangle shape. Place your hands on the floor about a meter in front of you.[5]
- Keep your back as straight as possible.
Bend forward at the waist as you apologize. As you lean your body forward, say what you’re apologizing for. Ask the injured party for forgiveness.[6]
Dogeza is only required for serious offenses, so apologize and ask for forgiveness more than once, or you may not seem sorry enough for your behavior.- An appropriate apology in Japanese might be moushi wake gozaimasen which translates to “no excuse”.[7]
- It’s also a good idea to have an anxious expression on your face to non-verbally express your remorse.
- Keep your eyes downcast and do not make eye contact with the injured side. This can be interpreted as a challenge or disrespect and make you seem less sincere.
- Pause when your head is bowed low before your forehead touches the ground to repeat your apology.
Bend all the way forward and touch the ground with your forehead. Extend your arms to support the weight of your upper body. Then touch the ground with your forehead in the space between them.[8]
Maintain this position until the injured party asks you to stand or rejects your apology and leaves.
Categories: How to
Source: HIS Education