What is the ruling on bowing in greeting to non-Muslims in Japan?

Bowing as a greeting is forbidden by Islamic law, for it is in the meaning of bowing in worship (ruku') which is not permissible except to Allah Almighty. The proof for this is the hadith of Anas ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: "A man asked, 'O Messenger of Allah, if one of us meets his brother or friend, should he bow to him?' He said, 'No.' The man asked, 'Should he embrace and kiss him?' He said, 'No.' The man asked, 'Should he take his hand and shake it?' He said, 'Yes.'" Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi, who said it is a good hadith. And it is incumbent upon anyone who refrains from this to inform people that it is adherence to the religion and not out of arrogance.