Give me a hug

Each morning I take my son to school and he asks for hugs and kisses before he walks through the school gate.  I happily oblige.  After all, before I'm ready he'll be rolling his eyes at me if I ask for a hug or kiss in public. 

I noticed the stares a while ago, but I disregarded them.  The thing is, after 8 months of school, I would have expected the stares to dwindle.  But they don't seem to be. 

What  I have noticed is that none of the other kids are requesting or receiving hugs or kisses at the gate.  My friends have mentioned that parents just aren't very affectionate with their kids in Japan.  From what I've seen, it is very true.  People in general aren't very affectionate - especially in public.  Physical touch is a bit taboo.  Business people don't shake hands, they bow.  You rarely see couples hold hands, and kissing is a major no-no. 

I make a lot of concessions living in a foreign culture, but this is one I won't.  My kid like to have hugs and kisses from momma and daddy and he's going to get them.