Is kissing on the cheek when greeting polite in Japan?

Avoid cheek kissing. In Japan, greeting customs prioritize bowing or a simple handshake, and kissing on the cheek is not a traditional or common practice. It can be perceived as overly intimate or invasive, especially in a social gathering where personal space is valued. Even among friends, cheek kissing is rare and may cause discomfort unless you are in a very Westernized or international context.

Stick to a polite bow (with hands at your sides) or a brief handshake, and follow the lead of your Japanese hosts.

In major cities like Tokyo or among younger, globally connected individuals, a light cheek kiss might be accepted in very informal settings, but it remains the exception.