This article explores the meaning of hugs in Japan, physical contact in Japanese culture, and how Japanese parents express affection to their children. It is not very common for Japanese parents to give hugs since physical contact between family members isn't typically seen until after puberty when relationships become more intimate. Hugs are usually reserved for close family members or intimate partners and friends, although they do occur between strangers on occasion. Japanese parents usually show their love through verbal expressions such as “I love you” or “I’m proud of you” or through acts of service such as cooking meals for them. There are several types of hugs that may occur between Japanese parents and children depending on the context and situation at hand.