"No Handshake, Upright Posture"... Biden Meets Emperor with 'Minimal Greeting'

Controversy Over Obama's Past 'Folder Greeting'
Trump Only Shakes Hands

U.S. President Joe Biden (left), visiting Japan, greets Emperor Naruhito during a visit to Tokyo Imperial Palace (Kokyo) on the 23rd. /Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] U.S. President Joe Biden, visiting Japan, neither bowed nor shook hands during his meeting with Emperor Naruhito (德仁).

On the morning of the 23rd, President Biden met Emperor Naruhito at the Tokyo Imperial Palace, standing upright in a formal posture to greet the Emperor. Although he made a few gestures such as extending his hand forward or placing his hand on his chest to indirectly show respect to the Emperor, he did not bow or engage in physical contact such as shaking hands throughout the meeting.

President Biden and Emperor Naruhito exchanged greetings for about 30 seconds before taking photos together.

In November 2009, former U.S. President Barack Obama is bowing at the waist to greet former Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, who came out to the entrance. / Photo by AP Yonhap News

The manner in which U.S. presidents greet the Emperor during visits to Japan has been a topic of discussion both domestically and internationally each time.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama bowed deeply at a 90-degree angle, known as a "folder bow," when he visited former Emperor Akihito in November 2009. However, the Emperor only extended his hand for a handshake and slightly bowed his head without bending at the waist.

Subsequently, criticism arose within the U.S. that it was inappropriate to bow deeply to Emperor Akihito, the son of Emperor Showa (昭和), who initiated World War II. In fact, questions about the "90-degree bow by the U.S. president" were frequently raised even during regular briefings at the U.S. State Department.

In 2017, former U.S. President Donald Trump is shaking hands with former Emperor Akihito at the Tokyo Imperial Palace. Photo by AP Yonhap News

On the other hand, former U.S. President Donald Trump, during his visit to Japan in November 2017, met former Emperor Akihito without bowing and pulled the Emperor's hand toward himself to shake hands. This is a tactic Trump often used to assert himself and stand out without being overshadowed by the other party's presence.

After the meeting with the Emperor, Trump lightly tapped the Emperor's arm before parting, showing a gesture of friendliness. This is a common way to express friendliness in the U.S., but it was criticized as being inappropriate in terms of etiquette.

Meanwhile, during a meeting held at the Tokyo State Guest House on the same day, President Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida shared the recognition that North Korea's nuclear and missile development issues are serious and confirmed their policy to respond through close cooperation among the U.S., Japan, and South Korea.