A post on China's social media platform Xiaohongshu titled 'Things often asked by Japanese people meeting for the first time' garnered a significant response.

The poster wrote that when meeting Japanese people for the first time in Japan, they are often asked, 'Are you going to stay (continue to reside) in Japan permanently from now on?' They added, 'I don't think people in other countries often ask such a question to foreigners they've just met. Moreover, this question personally feels like it crosses a line (of privacy) a bit.'

They continued, 'While I usually give a vague answer and brush it off when asked, it's still intriguing. In my impression, Japanese people usually value (psychological) distance from others, but this question seems to be perceived as perfectly natural small talk.'

Chinese internet users commented with voices such as: '(The other person) wants to hear flattery like "Japan is truly wonderful and I've always wanted to stay here"'; '(The other person) wants to hear praise for Japan, but at the same time, doesn't want you to say "I'm staying here." It's a very Japanese question'; 'Japanese people just want to be liked, they don't necessarily want to be understood'; '(The other person) is trying to satisfy their superiority and self-esteem by getting the answer they want'; 'Since coming here (to Japan), I've been playing the role of a foreigner who is obsessed with Japan'; 'Conversely, it would be good to ask, "Which do you think I should do?"'

Additionally, there were quite a few opinions like: 'They are assessing how much of a relationship they need to build with you'; 'I think your answer determines whether they become close to you or maintain a superficial acquaintance'; 'If you're staying long-term (in Japan), they'll be friendly, but if not, they won't'; 'It's to gauge what kind of attitude they should take towards you. If you say "I'm not staying," they'll treat you formally like a tourist, and if you say "I'm staying," they'll treat you like a colleague'; 'They might be assessing how much value there is in continuing a relationship with you. It's like how people suddenly become cold during the last month after a resignation has been decided.'

On the other hand, comments also included: 'I don't think there's any malice, though'; 'It's simply because there isn't much to talk about'; 'No need to think so deeply. They might want to be friends with you for a long time'; 'Japanese people ask similar questions to people from rural areas who move to Tokyo. Like, "Are you staying in Tokyo permanently?" Conversely, even when Tokyoites go to rural areas, they get asked, "When are you returning?" or "Are you staying here permanently?"'; 'In reverse, if a foreigner came to China to study abroad, I think I would also ask, "Do you plan to stay in China?"'; 'It's similar to Chinese people asking foreigners, "Do you like China?"'; 'It's true that there's not much to talk about. You only have things like the differences between China and Japan, or what you'll do after graduation, to discuss. Especially Japanese women are afraid of conversations dying out. Just say "I haven't thought about it yet" vaguely. The other person doesn't really want to know anyway.' (Translation and editing by Kitada)