"I am here Master to return the World War II surrender document. We're sorry. Nevermind."
Posted on 11/14/2009 5:08:16 AM PST by libstripper
How low will the new American president go for the world's royalty?
This photo will get Democrat President Obama a lot of approving nods in Japan this weekend, especially among the older generation of Japanese who still pay attention to the royal family living in its downtown castle. Very low bows like this are a sign of great respect and deference for a superior.
To some in the United States, however, an upright handshake might have looked better. Remember Michelle Obama casually patting Britain's Queen Elizabeth on the back during their Buckingham Palace visit? America's royalty tends to make movies and get bad reviews and lots of money as a sign of respect.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimesblogs.latimes.com ...
I wonder what Putin, Chavez, Ahmadinejad, and the rest of the crazies are thinking?
Generally the bow is a physical sign of subservience as well as respect, depending on the relative depth of the bow by each party.
Since it would be impossible for the Emporer to bow to another person...well you get the idea
An entirely inappropriate bow, and I say that as one who loves Japanese customs. This guy has no clue. Actually, it looks more like a prostration in terms of what would have been appropriate.
I have only one question does anyone know if Bush ever bowed to him when he was in office, I’m assumiong it’s protocol?
When General MacArthur (PBUH) was the military ruler of Japan, it became necessary for him to meet with Emperor Hirohito.
Had he gone to the Imperial palace to meet the Emperor, it would have shown fealty, and cost MacArthur (PBUH) so much “face”, that it might have caused a Japanese revolt against the “weak invaders”.
Had the Emperor gone to MacArthur’s (PBUH) headquarters, it would have so humiliated the Japanese people, that thousands would have committed suicide out of shame. The Emperor was still regarded by many as a deity, and they bowed and averted their eyes in his presence.
So a solution was achieved by having both General MacArthur (PBUH) and the Emperor decide to go for a walk on the same day, with their entourages, and happen to meet in a pleasant place in a park.
This was but one example out of many how General MacArthur (PBUH) had to show great tact, diplomacy, and awareness of the Japanese people, to avoid tragic and bloody misunderstandings out of mutual cultural ignorance, and inadvertent offense. There were many times when he saved thousands of Japanese lives with the stroke of a pen.
To this day, Emperor Akihito, who is a great and passionate fan of Sumo wrestling, who as Crown Prince was a fixture at championship matches, while seated in the royal box seats, on the death of his father has no longer been allowed to attend such matches, as Emperor. This is because though it would not be demanded of them, for a wrestler to lose a match in the presence of the Emperor would be so shameful, that they might choose to end their life.
So the royal box seats remain empty, and the Emperor has to watch the match in the palace, on television.
And in to this situation of delicate protocols and diplomacy, enters the new and naive US president, embarrassing himself and his nation in front of the Emperor.
Perhaps later he will don a straw hat, and do a little dance, before playing his banjo, or challenge the Emperor to a pick up game of “hoops.”
As the Japanese might say, “Baka yaro!”
"I am here Master to return the World War II surrender document. We're sorry. Nevermind."
1.) Strange angle, many are saying the combination of tall Obama and short Akihito is the cause. 2.) Most see this as a sign of respect, that Obama is a very humble guy. And that he's earned a few brownie points for this.
A bunch of people over there are pointing out how President Bush tore the suit sleeve of the japanese prime minister the last time they met by pulling his sleeve as he walked away. Here's a pic(though it looks photoshopped): 
A disgusting show of American subservience to Japan. Again, dear leader attempts to apologize...in his own style.
It’s time to take back the country.
That photo and the one of O Bama bowing to the Saudi should be trumpeted by the Republicans. But they would rather attack conservatives.
well that puts down the lie he told about NOT bowing the Arabs... 
For the last time:
PRESIDENT OBAMA DID NOT BOW TO THE SAUDI KING!
Since his knees were also bent, he was genuflecting to the king.
But it wasn't a bow! ;)
Bowing to other human beings is frowned upon in Muslim culture as all human beings are considered equal and, in Islam, bowing is only supposed to done to Allah.
Leni
Yeah, there’s nothing like the honor and respect shown to the people who barely two generations ago were burning American POW’s to death in shallow ditches.
Put me in front of the Jap...I’ll spit in his face the same as if he was Hitler’s heir. Japan got off way too lightly.
I remember what my Grandfathers did, why don’t you? My maternal Grandfather shot down 5 Jap planes as an AA gunner on a Destroyer in the Pacific, when the crazy bastards were trying to crash their planes into his ship. Too bad he died before you and Obama could capitulate. He would have enjoyed it so much. Maybe we should find Hitler’s remains so Obama can bow to them, too.
i stand corrected sir...
There are more than a few people who believe Hirohito was the mastermind behind Japan's aggressions of the twentieth century. They firmly believe the military, Tojo included, were only following orders. Read David Bergamini's "Japan's Imperial Conspiracy" for more info. Although I don't know if it's still in print.
WOW! Only an idiot fool & socialist would even try to defend Chairman MAO-bama on his bow to REALLY BIG OIL (i.e. mooose-slum's saudi king). Shouldn't you be living in your commie paradise in cuba or venezuela or north korea or....?
He’s thinkin’ ,,,,,, DAMN !!! ,, I got big feet .
LOL!
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