In Japan, do they shake hands?

Question

I know they bow, but if you were to go to Japan and stick your hand out for a Japanese native to shake, would they know what to do?

Answer 1

Yes, most people would know how to respond. The funny thing is that if they do put THEIR hand out to shake your hand, it is usually done in conjunction with bowing. The combination is so funny. Or, to be politically correct, maybe I should say "interesting". Another interesting thing is that I am married to a Japanese women, and have been for over 11 years, and I can't remember a time where I shook her fathers hand when he wasn't drunk or drinking.

If you don't initiate a handshake, no harm done, just bow politely, but if they initiate the handshade and you don't take it, that could be construed as an insult. In business, handshakes are sort of "seal the deal" things, especially with foreigners.

Answer 2

Yes lots of people shake hands in Japan but mostly the younger people and business people. Many old people are still very traditional especially in the smaller towns and some have even only seen a few western people so they would not be familiar with hand shaking. Bowing is more popular in Japan or bowing whilst shaking hands.

Answer 3

searching for the truth' answer is quite accurate. If you are american a sub set of Japanese actually like to shake hands as it shows their affinity, and always respond if they put out their hand, but it is easier to just bow.

Answer 4

yes they do shake hands. they used to just bow but with western culture being brought in, they do know what a hand shake means.

Answer 5

Yes, it is taught as part of english lessons, as a standard way to greet, but you might find that people will bow at the same time as they shake hands
http://thejapaneseeye.blogspot.com/

Answer 6

Of course they do.