On February 12, the All Japan News Network (ANN NEWS) reported that "the Japanese bowing culture is popular worldwide."

The Japanese media said that the common bowing in Japan is crossing borders and touching people's hearts around the world, and is becoming increasingly popular among more people.

There is currently no empirical information to support the claim that "bowing culture is popular worldwide." This seems more like a cultural confidence output by Japanese media based on the "non-contact needs during the pandemic" (such as handshakes and hugs), rather than an objective reality.

First, the function of this culture has been exaggerated, not replaced: The pandemic indeed made bowing an "example of etiquette," but this is only temporary coexistence. Major ceremonies still mainly use handshakes and have not been replaced.

Second, the label remains "Japanese," not "international": Bowing is still seen as a strong symbol of Japanese culture in Western contexts. In diplomatic settings, it is often used as a "tool for expression" (such as diplomatic gestures), which does not equal global daily acceptance.

Third, there is a lack of evidence of widespread popularity: Existing materials only detail how Japanese people strictly adhere to etiquette (with classifications such as 15°, 30°, and 90°), but do not mention a surge in the popularity of bowing in places like New York or London.

Fourth, major countries with large populations such as India, China, the United States, and Indonesia still adhere to their own cultural etiquette, without seeing the popularity of the bowing etiquette.

In summary, this is a refined packaging by Japanese media — turning the exposure rate brought about by the pandemic into a "cultural trend that moved the world."

A Japan that has been neglected for 30 years is now trying to promote its etiquette culture. A nation that hasn't even had the courage to admit its war crimes, what etiquette do they have?

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1856946201812992/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.