The other reason is that it is thought that PDA would make other people uncomfortable – which is something I think we can all relate to. People in Japan value their privacy immensely, so partaking in something so public as PDA could take away the personal connection of dating. This comes down to two reasons privacy and accommodation for others. You wouldn’t think twice about at home, would you? In Japan, the social rules are vastly different and PDA is considered a big no-no. Without making your intentions clear the other person may be in the view that you are just friends. The reason this is so important in Japan is because many people go for lunch or tea as friends. This is in slight contrast with foreign countries, which in most cases, a mutual understanding is built, and it doesn’t need to be said out loud. Much like other countries, there is a point in which you are dating that one of you would approach the other one and ‘ask them out’. So it’s important you understand what is, and what isn’t acceptable before you immerse yourself in the world of dating. The expectations can be different from the reality of dating in Japan. A lot of what would be acceptable in Western culture is not acceptable in Japan, or in some cases, taboo, and would be looked down upon.
It’s safe to say that the dating culture in Japan is massively different to that of foreign countries. Being aware of your date’s feelings is one of the first steps to ensure your date goes well. When dating as a foreigner it’s important to essentially ‘read between the lines’. Japan is very much an indirect speaking country, a lot of things are better left unsaid, or the approach would be different. The culture and customs in Japan are much different to other countries such as The United Kingdom and the USA, in which it is encouraged to speak your mind. In Japanese dating there is a term called Kukki o Yomu ‘ 場の空気を読む’ which means “understanding a situation without words”, the literal meaning is “reading the air”. So if you meet that special person online, be prepared to make the venture to meet them in real life. In Japanese dating an ‘online relationship’ is not seen as a real relationship. In fact until 2015, 72% of married couples met through friends, work, family or school. Preferring much more intimate, affectionate relationships. While online dating sites and apps are making the ability to meet new people even easier, Japanese people still prefer in-person dating. Japanese Prefer In-Person Dating Opposed to Online Only when you are officially in a relationship should you be able to kiss each other. The same can be said for casual dating, even something as small as kissing your date is shunned upon. Yet even the people that don’t share this opinion also. However in Japan hookups are seen as “filthy”, this is mostly the opinion of those that practice a religion. While hookups in other countries are not especially celebrated, they are accepted as part of society. Here are some of the most common Japanese dating customs that you should definitely keep in mind before you’re looking to date. So think of this article as a rough guide to help you triumph in the world of dating as a foreigner in Japan. One thing to keep in mind is that dating is different for everyone, what could work for someone else might not necessarily work for you. Each country has its own customs to abide by, Japanese customs will just take a bit more adjusting to. Japanese dating, while slightly more elaborate than other cultures, in theory are the same. Understanding Japanese dating customs can mean the difference between a good date and a bad date.
Let’s start by diving into the Japanese dating customs that you NEED to know. Are you new to Japan and looking to meet new people? Are you open to dating? Or are you too shy to get yourself out there in the dating scene? Our comprehensive guide will walk you through the ins and outs of dating in Japan as a foreigner.įrom exploring the vast customs ingrained in Japanese culture to the myriad of dating sites and apps, we’ll help you to find that special someone – or at least try!