Compared to most American and Canadian guys, who at most go for an occasional hug (excuse me, a “manly pat on the back”), Japanese guys touch each other a lot. I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen my classmates reach out and casually touch the person they’re talking to; a pat on the arm or knee, clasp the other person’s shoulder, etc.

The stereotype about Japan is that it’s very repressed. While there are aspects of the culture that qualify, my experience of casual touching (often called “skinship”*), which has been reinforced by watching my classmates interact with each other, is not only viewed as natural, but also seen as an integral component to friendship bonding.

I have a few theories as to why the difference between the cultures exists, but that’s a subject for another day (and another blog).