Apology Olympics: Japan’s Extreme Bowing Championship Shocks New Zealand Viewers

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 13:17:14 +1200

Japan’s infamous “Apology Olympics” — officially known as the Dogeza Championship — has gone viral, and New Zealand audiences are both amused and fascinated. In this outrageous yet culturally rooted event, contestants compete to deliver the most sincere and dramatic dogeza, the ultimate act of apology where participants kneel and bow deeply in a gesture of extreme remorse.

For Kiwis, the concept might seem absurd at first, but it opens a window into Japan’s unique blend of formality, cultural pride, and theatrical humour. In contrast to New Zealand’s more casual “sorry mate” approach, the Apology Olympics shows how deeply apology and honor are woven into Japanese society.

Whether you're interested in global humour, cross-cultural insights, or just want to watch some jaw-dropping public performances, this is a must-see for New Zealanders curious about the extremes of etiquette. The event invites reflection on how different cultures handle guilt, forgiveness, and saving face — and maybe, just maybe, gets us wondering what a Kiwi version of this would look like.

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