Dogeza (土下座 "sitting right on the ground") is an element of Japanese etiquette where an individual expresses a subservile attitude by kneeling deeply on the ground on hands and knees and bowing low enough to touch one's head to the floor (effectively exposing one's neck to possible attack from a sword).
The action is among the lowest/deepest forms of prostration known and can be used to show deference to the most highly-revered high-class person, as a deep apology, or to express the desire for a favor from said person (ie begging). Usually, this action is performed with complete disregard to ones own shame/pride and is seen akin to grovelling/begging in modern times.
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- A form of dogeza that is considered more formal and less "pitiful" is to assume the same position but refrain from touching one's forehead to the floor by either keeping it aloft (although still bowed) or simply touching the top of one's hands instead.
- In terms of demonstrating fealty or respect to someone, Dogeza is the Japanese equivalent of the "head bowed, down on one knee" position used by western countries.
- Kimihito's personality means that he often perform dogezas whenever he's aware he or any of his associates has wronged somebody. Lala once attempted this as well in Chapter 39, but her Dullahan biology meant her head fell off every time.
- Despite commonly being the one to perform a dogeza, Kimihito has been also on the receiving end, with Yukio performing one after a failure to control her powers caused one of the Sno Ball Hot Spring Resort's baths to freeze while he was still soaking in it.[1]
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