Kissing is a universal expression of love and affection, but the cultural norms and expectations for kissing vary greatly from country to country. In Japan, kissing has traditionally been seen as an intimate act between two people in a relationship, however attitudes towards kissing have become more relaxed over time - particularly among younger generations. Public displays of affection such as hand-holding or hugging are still not widely accepted in Japan and should be avoided unless you're sure that no one around you will find it offensive or disrespectful. Kissing is generally seen as something that should only take place between two people who are already romantically involved with each other, but there are certain situations where it can be appropriate for friends (or even strangers) to exchange kisses without offending anyone around them - provided they follow proper etiquette guidelines.