Free Hugs

The other day when I got home and saw the opened the newspaper, the headlines said "Free Hugs getting Big! (becoming popular)." I thought, "Free Hugs?! What the hell does that mean?" I have never heard of such a thing, but after reading the article I understood a little more. In "American Town" in Osaka, and also some other places around Japan, young Japanese men and women, mainly students, are going around doing the "Free Hug" campaign. My understanding of the meaning of this is the following: in a world now connected my text messages, emails, physical contact, physical friendship, is lacking. So people want to promote hugging. In America and in Japan, the custom of hugging is completely different. Americans hug everyone and anyone, it is a type of greeting, like a handshake. Nobody really thinks anything of it. Also in America it is common for parents and children, brothers and sisters, to all hug. In Japan, nobody hugs! People barely shake hands. Physical contact is avoided. Bowing is the norm. It amazing!! I don`t know how couples get close enough to make a baby, because I never see anyone hugging!! Oh yeah, I have a little funny story to tell, but I`ll save it for next time. It`s only a little funny/stupid, so don`t get too excited for it! It`s raining now, but I feel stressed, so I think I am going to go out and get myself a FREE HUG! :)

Below is my buddy Shige, and his two twin kids in the mountains! I`ve never met the kids because they live in Tokyo, but Shige and I drink together about once a year. He is a weak drinker but he likes to talk. Actually he talks just like Ichiro, and reminds me a little of Ichiro too. I wonder when he is coming to Osaka again. I hope he treats me to sushi!