Regarding Mark Schreiber's July 1 translation ("Will 'free hugs' take hold in Japan?") of a Weekly Playboy article: I accept that the Japanese are not likely to hug each other in public, but neither is it common practice in Australia. The concept of "personal space" is very prevalent, and one does not hug another unless the relationship is secure and beyond that of a mere acquaintanceship. Traditional Australian males do not take kindly to hugging, especially from another male, who will no doubt be labeled a "bloody poof" or "Sheila."

My wife and I have forced the issue with Japanese friends and given them some little hugs, but you can feel their discomfort and tension. Back home, I have friends I have known for years but would not dare extend them such an intimate "greeting." I am sure if one was to offer "free hugs" in Australia, the response would not be too much different from that received in Japan, although I think the response would be more positive in the Kansai region than in stuffy Tokyo.

If it is claimed that hugs are just a form of greeting, then compare the response to a "free hug" from a young Japanese female in tight clothes to that from a hairy, tattooed biker type (that's me). You will find just how un-greeting-like a hug can be.

The issue then, I guess, is that Free Hugs Day will get plenty of humorous responses and those of us who get into it will all feel good about being members of the human race. But, really, you cannot force yourself on someone. There are times when I don't want to be touched and don't feel like touching another. Humans are complicated, sweaty, smelly and jittery creatures. How about letting some of them have the right to their own space and level of personal confidence. Let the Japanese have their "no hugs" culture. I'm sure that behind closed doors, the intimacy becomes so much more intense -- as a Japanese friend said to us with a big smile and an uncomfortable nod.

kuz kuzela