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Wed 11 Nov 2009Obama kowtow to emperor stirs up media storm among US conservatives
STAND STRAIGHT, clasp the hands at the side, bend from the waist and tilt the head forward. Keep the eyes cast down and watch for the reaction of your guest.
In his weekend meeting with Japanese emperor Akihito, Mr Obama took no chances, bending his lanky frame by the full 45 degrees for maximum deferential effect. But the sight of the 6ft 1in leader of the free world kowtowing to the diminutive monarch - eight inches shorter - has outraged US conservatives, who say it has belittled Washington's status abroad.
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