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Monday, 16th November 2009
In Events In Japan,

Obama criticised over Emperor bow

US president Barack Obama has been criticised for the way in which he greeted the Japanese emperor on a visit to the country.

When meeting Emperor Akihito and his wife the Empress Michiko, Obama bowed at what was described as almost a 90 degree angle.

Obama is more than six feet in height, considerably taller than Emperor Akihito.

According to critics, the move was undignified and also went against US protocol which says that the president of the US need bow to no one.

Speaking on Fox News, political pundit William Kristol said: "I don't know why President Obama thought that was appropriate. Maybe he thought it would play well in Japan. But it's not appropriate for an American president to bow to a foreign one."

Commentator Bill Bennett told CNN that the bow is "coupled with so many apologies" made under Obama.

Former president Bill Clinton was also criticised for the way in which he greeted the Emperor on a visit to the White House.

Written by Kimberley Homer.