Is this all Obama’s opponents can come up with? If so, he is doing well.
A US President doesn't bow to the Japanese. Even the Japanese know this. The US President is considered higher than the Japanese Prime Minister and the Emperor (and his wife). Since the US President represents freedom for all, he should not bow to the male dominated society like Japan.
Bush Sr. puked in the JPM's lap, and that was a good move. In fact, the correct move. Clinton soon after clapped a +100% tariff on all Japanese imported cars and the Japanese were crying like Hello Kitty smack cats, and last minute Clinton stopped it. That's the only way to do business with the Japanese. You have to show them up with something they desperately want, which they can't have, or with something that shows one of their own insulting another one of their own using someone on the outside as a tool. They'll send in their absolute best, or your absolute top request, to get it. Otherwise, they won't care.
Gyaos Baltar (told with experience)