Posted inQuestion about Japan
Do Japanese people hug their family?
This article explores the cultural and social norms surrounding physical contact in Japan, including hugging. It explains that while hugging is not a common greeting in Japan, there are many other ways that Japanese people show their affection for family members such as holding hands, patting each other on the back or shoulder, or even putting an arm around someone’s shoulders or waist. Reasons for why hugging may not be as common between family members include traditional values of respect towards elders and a more conservative attitude towards public displays of affection compared to other countries. Other gestures of affection such as bowing, using honorific titles when addressing them, offering gifts and helping out with chores can also help strengthen relationships within families without having to resort to physical contact.