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Unlike Japan, it's not a tradition in USA to bow. Yet, in a meeting with Japanese emperor Akihito and wife Michiko Shoda, the US president bowed as a sign of any of the following: respect, deference, humility, submission, subservience, a sign of weakness?

Americans are divided on what to make out of this unusual gesture of the president on his first trip to Asia. While Akihito estendsd his hand for a handshake like a statesman, Obama stooped low. Many thought bowing to anyone is not what US presidents do. (Photo Credit: AFP/ Getty Images/ Ngan Mandel) =0=

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