Do people hug or shake hands when they first meet?
In short
It dependsEveryday greetings in Japan usually involve little physical contact such as hugs or handshakes. A light bow is the safe choice.
When does this apply?
When meeting someone for the first time, a bow or nod is common. If the other person offers a hand, it is fine to shake it. Hugs are not very common, even among family and close friends.
Why?
In Japan, keeping a comfortable distance is often seen as polite, so greetings tend to involve little touching.
What to do
- Start with a bow or nod when meeting someone new
- Shake hands if the other person offers
- Watch those around you and match their sense of distance
Better to avoid
- Suddenly hug someone you have just met
- Keep patting someone on the shoulder or back
Exceptions and differences
Handshakes are used in international business and with people used to other cultures. Close friends may hug when saying goodbye. It varies by person and situation, so follow the other person’s lead.
Manners can differ by region, facility and generation. Local signs and staff instructions come first.
Check with a quiz
Meeting someone in Japan for the first time, what is the safest greeting?
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Sources
- Japanese Manners Do's and Don'ts(opens in a new tab)
- Understanding and Mastering Japanese Manners and Etiquette(opens in a new tab)
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This text was written with AI assistance and has not yet been proofread by a person.