Dating?

[josiah]

What are the general rules for dating in Japan? Are they changing as more global influences creep in?

The biggest one is:
No displays of public affection (especially as a foreigner).

I think that's a good thing, don't you?

many a times i've seen people overly display affection in the public, and it's kinda gross.

but I imagine a small peck (kiss) on the cheeks is alright? or no?

IMO, it's not.

If you move in for the kiss on the cheek in public, most Japanese girls will give you the "恥ずかしい！", even if they're very passionate in private.

You have to walk on eggshells, especially as a foreigner.

I have to disagree with you there Bueller.

I've spent a lot of time in Osaka/Umeda and Tokyo as well
and I would say its definitely changing amongst the
younger generation.

it used to be
taboo to see people
hold hands
but not now

i've seen many occasions where
young people
even
older people have been
smooching

i'm not saying to do it
but its not as taboo as
we may be led o believe
at least not now


another strange thing
over there is the
acceptance of
pornography in everyday
life...

[Fedgrub]

To me, "hooking up" means "meeting someone", esp. "meeting a girl in a bar and taking her home". Not necessarily doing anything in public. But it's a pretty poorly defined phrase, I guess.

I agree with you Bueller. But it all comes down to how the person intended it on the phrase. When you say "hooking up" it does imply that you are really wolfing into each other.