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How do you feel when someone you are greeting wants to hug you or kiss you on the cheek? Do you think the custom can be misinterpreted in some cultures, such as Japan?
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15 Comments
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purple_depressed_bacon
Both parties should be aware that such personal greetings aren't well received in some countries like Japan, and thus should adjust and adapt accordingly. I hug and kiss my mates from Italy, Spain, and France but go for a quick hug or handshake with mates from the UK, Germany, and Japan.
Negative Nancy
Don't invade my personal space. Its not part of my culture, and its not welcome.
Toshihiro
I think it would depend on many factors. Generally, the Japanese aren't physical in their greetings, I can't count how many times I've gotten confused looks by extending my hand for a handshake. In my home country (the Philippines), hugging and kissing on the cheeks used to be commonplace among the older generations. The pandemic changed those norms. It would also depend on the culture of that place. Let's just say that certain social movements in the past years have ruined these otherwise friendly and warm greetings.
kohakuebisu
I've always felt British people doing it to look all European are pretentious. I say this as someone with a good chunk of British self-hatred and admiration for mainland Europe. As with the Spanish lady football captain, it can cause problems even in countries where it is the norm.
I can't say I'm a fan of "crush the other guy's hand in handshake to show him you're a man" either.
wallace
Japanese prefer not to be touched. Handshakes are acceptable in the right circumstance but hugs and kisses on the cheeks are not.
David Brent
Japanese don't even hug and kiss their own kids, for goodness sake. So weird.
Mr Kipling
I always give my mother in law a big hug when I meet her. Only because it makes her cringe and amuses my wife.
Namahage
Was interesting when my mum met Japanese people,she instinctively hugged them,being Cornish and Breton.
Initially they seemed shocked ,but afterwards appeared happy and emotional.
I suppose being starved of natural physical affection might do that.
OssanAmerica
Never mind Japan. It can be misinterpreted in the United States. Or anywhere that it isn't a custom and frequently seen.
Blacklabel
Just grow a big bushy beard like me and problem avoided.
even more so if you are a woman.
wallace
Read an article the other day in Tokyo about a "cuddle cafe" where you can go for a cuddle.
https://nihonscope.com/japanese-culture/cuddle-cafe/
diagonalslip
depends on the person (type of relationship), and the context..... I have Japanese friends of longstanding who I wouldn't dream of hugging, and others (who have never spent time overseas and speak only Japanese) who hug me and/or faire la bise..... I also frequently get hugged or stroked by Japanese women I've never met before (which I'm comfortable with), and occasionally by foreign men (which I'm not)....
Deo Gratias
Only family members or very close friends.
Daniel Neagari
As a person who was raised in South America, I must say... do not get close to me, don't touch me, don't hug me, unless we are close friends or family (and even in those cases I am not very comfortable with).
So, yes is VERY invasibe that unwanted hugging and kissing and stuff. A hand shake that last more than 2 seconds is too much too
DanteKH
Happy.
It means that the person is either a close friend, Familly or wife/girlfriend.
Usually stranger do not kiss eachother on the cheeks, not even in Italy or Russia, forget the TV propaganda.
That's a different story with family or close friends.