Japanese are known to maintain smiling faces even when they talk about a recent death in the family, to maintain composure. Also, Japanese often start to laugh in expressing a negative attitude. To a non-Japanese, such smiles and laughs might appear strange to say the least. Equally strange for a Japanese, though, is to wait for a smile that is not forthcoming. I still remember the uneasiness I experienced years back when I took a test given by a Norwegian lady, who did not smile even once.
Body language is an integral part of greeting.
Japanese bow as they utter their greetings. Americans extend their arms for handshakes or sometimes hugs and kisses. Most Japanese who are familiar with the international scene are accustomed to handshakes, but when it comes to hugs and kisses few Japanese know the rules and manners involved. Even with handshakes it can be awkward because many of them are not able to withhold bows as they shake hands. To the Japanese, bowing is an indispensable means of greeting and courtesy.