Universal
Cultural · Greeting
You
お久しぶりです！お変わりありませんか？
おひさしぶりです！おかわりありませんか？
It's been a long time! How have you been?
Romaji: Ohisashiburi desu! Okawari arimasen ka? / Reply Romaji: Okagesamade, genki ni shite imasu yo!
Reply
おかげさまで、元気にしていますよ！
おかげさまで、げんきにしていますよ！
I'm doing well, thanks to you!
Gesture & etiquette
A wide, genuine smile paired with a bow (15 degrees for friends, 30 for acquaintances) expresses warm surprise and delight; in close friendships, a light hand wave before bowing has become natural; allow a brief pause for the other party's news before launching into yours.
お変わりありませんか？' (Have there been any changes?) is a warmer and more considerate greeting than a direct 'お元気ですか？' — it acknowledges that life may have brought both joys and hardships. Use it when reconnecting after months or years apart. If the answer reveals difficulties, respond with '大変でしたね...' (That must have been tough).