I've always been a big hand shaker. Its kind of like a reflex when introduced to someone new (unless I have drink in one hand and food in the other - in this case, I jokingly shrug my shoulders and inform the person I would shake their hand but am tied up at the moment - come to think of it, this happens often - hmmm). So I find I'm in an interesting position here in Japan where hand shaking is foreign in practice. In the rare cases hands are offered in return, they are usually limp and contact lasts for a few seconds, or they are very grasping and continue well beyond the typically 2 or 3 "ups and downs" that I've come to expect as standard from a solid shake.
I believe I've finally gotten into a groove with introductions now. If they are students of mine or of friends, I will shake their hands since they understand this is the practice and they usually provide a rehearsed chorus of "Nice to meet you." Otherwise, the slight bow is the way to go. Especially with women. (Don't want to crush their tiny bird-like hands with my giant American man hands anyways.)
There is something to be said for introductory bowing - it comes across respectful rather than a "I don't want to touch your dirty hands" kind of way. Buuut I'm pretty sure its mostly the latter sentiment, veiled with the respectful tradition.
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