Why the angle changes the meaning
A deeper bow is generally understood to convey stronger respect or feeling toward the other person. A bow that's too deep or too shallow for the situation can actually come across as unnatural.
How it differs from a seated bow (zarei)
A bow performed while seated, as in a Japanese-style room, is called "zarei" and differs from the standing "ritsurei" bow in hand position and angle standards. What's introduced here is the basic standing bow, assuming a chair-based lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to follow the exact bowing angles precisely?
These are widely cited guidelines, but in practice they vary somewhat by person, situation, and even company training. Rather than fixating on exact numbers, bowing politely with sincerity is the basic principle.
Should foreign visitors bow too?
It's not required, but a simple eshaku-level bow is often warmly received as a way of conveying welcome or gratitude.