Why do Japanese people bow so much?

Why do Japanese people bow so often?

Is it just a polite habit…
or does it have a deeper meaning?

You see people bow when they say hello,
when they say thank you,
and even when they apologize.

But why bow instead of shaking hands?

In Japan, bowing isn’t just one thing.
The angle and timing can change the meaning.

A small bow can mean “thanks.”
A deeper bow can show respect or apology.

So here’s the real question:

Is bowing just a gesture…
or is it a way of communicating without words?