Why is he bowing to the Japanese Emperor Akihito?

Reuters photo ^ | 11-14-09

[AmericanInTokyo]

They are national treasures.

Obama, on the other hand, our national disgrace.

[jonrick46]

Your evaluation of this event has deep insight. I am seeing big trouble in this situation. If Japan does not trust the United States, they will have to make other adaptations. This might mean making diplomatic overtures to China and developing nukes for their own security.

Zer0 is destroying the trust between the United States and Japan that has taken decades to develop. If this situation takes a turn for the worse, I fear a run on the US Dollar that will hurt us big time.

[blackbart.223]

"Prediction: if the PR heat gets a little too hot, they will search like the dickens for some Professor of Japanese Culture back in the states, (who was a big Obama donor on top of it) to provide the obligatory "specialist's" input indicating that the bow was appropriate and nothing out of the ordinary."

And there will be plenty of toads who will buy into it. Stay safe.

[Candor7]

Well I hope that for the US Expats in Japan, this will not be problematic to our Freeper contingent there. (Also I have a son in Kanazawa.)

This is one more example of the failure of leftst socialism. We need to keep putting that out here so as many can know as possible.

One more “faux pas” to add to the list , which has dramatic consequences for the Japanese people, and for Americans in Japan, as well. I hope you don’t have to apologize for Obama too much.Perhaps saying that he does not represent Americans in general is a good idea, which is the truth.

[TigersEye]

Will the Japanese media say anything about this or will they observe a more reserved stand? How openly critical might they get?

[Candor7]

No it wouldn't, but you have to select the right moment.

" Akihito Tenno Samma, would you honor me with a round of Shogi?"

He likely would be on it like ginger on shashimi.

[eyedigress]

To tell you the truth President Reagan would have been a little more passive there. Chinas peg on the dollar was coming on and is now being forced off. Shhhhh!

[Candor7]

We here have pretty good collective insight on what his bow represents. Probably more comprehensive than just about anywhere.Bot the Japanese do not see it as their duty to educate politicians at this level of diplomacy.

The Japanese are very mannerly and have a habit of ignoring Western faux pas.

But that is changing. Perhaps some news writers will point out this faux pas critically, but chances are it won't appear in the English language publications.

[jonrick46]

You have touched on my thoughts about the situation too. See my post #242.

[kevao]

And he’d have to give me a 10mai-ochi handicap :D

[fso301]

He’s not bowing. Manchelle made him carry her off the plane.

ROTFLMAO!!!

[AmericanInTokyo]

Have analyzed the sequential photos of this incident at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo today, and while at the end Obama resumes a somewhat normal face, he on first encounter had the most ridiculous expression and he executed this insincere, unnecessary, culturally ignorant bow to Akihito. Eyes were solidly shut. Was looking straight down. Had a furrowed brow and tense mouth as if apologizing for something. (FOR WHAT!!?)

Somebody tell this dingbat it is not 1943 anymore; anyone can look directly into the Emperor's eyes nowadays.

Look how naturally and sincere, projecting power, did Reagan met Emperor Hirohito.

This Obama is bad news. What is WRONG with him?!! What a failure.

[AmericanInTokyo]

My guess is they won't say much, but everyone will know the unspoken truth about it. That he made both an ass out of himself and embarrassed their Emperor in the process, laying it on thick like that unnecesarily.

However, the word will definitely be out on the street.

Let's see.

[Allegra]

Easterners bow.

Americans do NOT.

[Candor7]

Well as you know, such a critique may not appear in an English language publication.

If you come across anything in Japanese, posting it here would be a great favor , with even a rough translation.

The other major blogs who frequent our site might pick it up,expecially if we e-mail a link to them.

[Candor7]

Yes, I think you are right about that. He knows what this truly represents, a weak president and an ideologue, one who will make things very difficult for Japan between Korea, North Korea, and China.

[AmericanInTokyo]

Will do.

If he had embarrassed the PRIME MINISTER, it would be openly spoken, and all over the press, in talk shows and in English and Japanese.

Since it involved THE EMPEROR, the topic cannot be so easily broached IMHO, so it may be limited fallout and you are right, it will be primarily in the Japanese language press, Japanese talking amongst themselves about it not for the benefit of the outside world, most notably the Americans. Will ferrett it out if possible.

[Candor7]

I agree copletely. A smart man would watch for the timing on a run away from the USD, which is so weak now.A lot of money could be made. Will the Japanese allow the yen to increase against the USD? A lot of countries are faced with the same conundrum, like Canada.

[eyedigress]

Do you recall when China decided to set their monetary unit to the dollar?

[LiberaMa]

Thanks for the laugh! Great photo.