And lack of interaction.
Yes, culture shock. It's a thing, no doubt about it. And recently, coming back from a holiday in England, I was subjected to a big one.
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| Not something you're likely to see in Japan. |
Nobody hugged when coming out of arrivals at the airport. Nobody. Neither families, friends, nor loved ones. In the words of the recently famous Atsugiri Jason, 'why Japanese people?!' Why indeed.
The greatest display of emotion I saw was a mother with a young toddler coming off her aeroplane, greeted by her mother at arrivals. 'Okaa-san!' (Mother), she exclaimed, the toddler crying 'Ba-chan!' (Grandma), the grandmother replying 'okaeri' (welcome home). Then the toddler looked confused, the grandmother looked awkward, wrung her hands, and said, 'right, shall I get your bags then?'
Oh Japan. This was in stark contrast to Heathrow where people were hugging, kissing and crying at both arrivals and departures. It was emotional, and for one of the first times since coming to Japan, I immediately felt a pang of homesickness.
Just give someone a hug today. Go on. It's a good thing.
Image: http://www.instant-ramen.net/2009/04/free-hugs/
