Not bowing in Japan...Good, bad, or okay?

Question:

I was wondering how rude it is to not bow to anyone in Japan. Is it okay or is it rude? Like, what if a Japanese person bowed when they met me and I didn't bow back?

Thanks in advance.

Answer:

It depends on each situation. It depends on when and where, whether you should bow or bow back.

For example, when you bought something at a store, they would bow to you. But you do not have to bow back as you are a customer.

If you visit Japanese as a tourist, there would be few opportunities where you have to bow. Bowing is used in formal relationships like business. So you do not have to care do much.