Some flattered and of good will in return (to the USA), some embarrassed, some not wanting to talk about it, some laughing, and some of them, it going to their head (in a nationalist kind of, look-who-we-made-bow-despite-our-losing-WWII-gloating way). There is a variety of feelings and sentiment here. It is controversial, though.
thanks for that perspective.....
My first reaction was that he felt he was too tall towering over them and his “bow” was even more exaggerated....
Who in the world is advising him??? Don’t they know protocol and image?
Oh geez. Thanks for the info.
Thanks for this thread, one of the great things
about FR is first person reporting from
around the world.
I would not have had a problem with Obama giving a
respectful bow to Akihito, but this was ridiculous
and made everyone aware of his ineptitude.
During the warring period, such an over blown
gesture would have been taken as a insult
and blood would have been spilled.
Even a rank Fifth Kyu in Aikido would know better.
It really puts it all in perspective when you think there should be no discussion other than in passing of the greeting given the Emperor.
Would you be able to summarize the amount/level of attention you think this will get, as opposed to the type of reaction? In other words, how big a news item do you think this is or will be there?