Japan 文化: May 23, Kissing Day in Japan

This past Saturday was キッスの日 (Kissu no hi) in Japan.

img via ncaranti

Kiss day celebrates the first time a kissing scene appeared in a Japanese movie, which dates back to May 23rd, 1946. Historically, kissing and displays of affection in Japan were something private and not performed in public.

The movie that included this scene was ひたちの青春 (Hitachi no Seishun), and was considered rather controversial at the time.

This year, an event was held in Akasaka, Tokyo to celebrate the iconic scene from the movie. The event consisted of sharing a kiss with a special someone through a piece of plexiglass, just as it was done in 1946.


What do you think of Kiss Day in Japan?