Its just respect who the fuck cares. When you visit someones house you show respect.
Everyone knows America waves a big dick, That doesnt mean that you have to be a dick!

in australia, you have to kiss chicks on the cheek when you say hello. even the ugly ones.

That this was big news in the US has been on the news here in Japan, but I'm not really sure what that average person thinks about it.

Even as an American, I don't see what the big deal is. Although I image FOX "News" is having a ball with this.

And when you think about it, the emperor is a pretty short dude (even by Japanese standards) and Obama is over 6' so he'd have to get down pretty low just to make eye contact.

if its a sign of respect then how come aki didn't when obama did? he didn't so does that mean he doesn't respect?

Not sure if the emperor is allowed to bow. Correct me if I'm wrong anyone - just thinking outloud here.

its just custom that pays respect to a long dead system and means nothing.

I personally think it allways pays to be polite to everyone.

On the other hand mr. Akihito should consider the fact He and His father and actually the whole family lived only due to remarkable mercy shown by post war US adminstration in Japan.
I assume that His public actions are bound by ancient protocol thou - I'd recall the recorded WW-II surrender speach was the first time Tenno spoke "directly" to commoners - ever.
So showing too much recognition to coloured gaijin might be out of the question?

After all back in the day the imperial family got really lucky by not waking up one fine day by being vaporized by a blast from a nice little nuclear detonation on the top of the imperial palace.
I guess McArthur & Co. had allready deviced a plan for the upcoming cold war and the role for the Japan in it and thus it was necessary to save the imperial institution and the person as well. (and boost japanese arrogance
Maybe it was worth it - at least they didn't turn into commies...

So king wankenstein McArthur & His cronies consentrated starting by hanging innocent guys like poor Tomoyuki Yamashita, who appeared mainly to be guilty of hurting McArthur's pride and the same time went to great lengths to ensure that nothing happened to the imperial family.
I'd recall that by the end of 1958, all Japanese war criminals, including A-, B- and C-class were released from prison and politically rehabilitated.
Pretty much a slap on the wrist for killing more civillian people than the Nazis did.
No wonder the crown prince of that gang doesn't bother to bow much when a black bloke from a overseas state comes to darken His doorstep

^^^ that made me laugh, thanks.

The Saudi bow and BO's apoligy tour started the whole thing. They tried to spin it as if he didn't do it! Fox news and everyone else is having a field day. I can't stand the guy, but I also looked at it as a sign of respect. That and the trial in NYC probably just a distraction from the health care fiasco anyway.
The root of the issue seems to be rooted in the US Constitution, written in the day when we gained independence and it was written that the US President shall not bow or be subservient to any foriegn power, and it seems to despise a Monarchy in particular.
So it just chaffs many asses when he does things without president. Gotta wonder who advises him on protocol! The photos looked like the Emporer and his missus were a bit taken aback!

the j-emperor akihito has no governmental powers but is treated as the head of state in diplomatic and ceremonial functions. mr. president is not bowing to hatoyama-san. imho, making a political issue out of obama-san bowing akihito is simply an irrelevant criticism and there are way more important issues to be discussed and shown on youtube. such as hu let ze dogs out..

>probably just a distraction from the health care fiasco anyway
so desu ne.

if i may add to this (and not so important) i just think that bowing and handshaking at the same time is slightly strange.. must have been obama-san's thoughtfulness for short people tho.