As an American who has lived and worked in Japan for more than 17 years, and has family ties there for more than 55, I am appalled and dismayed at the comical behavior of the America President when meeting the Emperor of Japan. Emperor Akihito is a political equal and not a superior.
To the Western mind, this all seems so trivial, but to Asia it is not.
The President bowed not once but several times, bobbing like a Dicky Bird. This action is one of submission and capitulation, not to mention, foreigners are not expected to bow, as they don't know how to do it.
This additional action of bowing to another foreign monarch is typical of a man who hasn't the slightest idea of foreign policy, Asia, Japan or its customs.
The President should be home bowing to the families of those cut down in the Ft. Hood attack, and spending time explaining to them why his administration failed to stop Maj. Hasan when there was ample evidence that this murderer was psychotic and dangerous, not bowing to a monarch whose county, our men and woman in uniform, protect.
