Because I thought it could mean that people that are into anime quite might like the idea of hugs more because you see it a lot in anime.

Though you don't see much public display of affection, I never got the idea that hugging wasn't okay. I got a few going away hugs from acquaintances, including bar tenders when I left. I thought it was odd, but that is because I only hug my family members and SO.

The Free Hugs Campaign is an international phenomenon, but is also often used by cosplayers and convention goers as a symbol of otaku solidarity.

There's a lot of non cosplayers doing it now too. You often see a few huggers at the Hachiko exit of Shibuya. This is what they get up to YouTube - Free Hugs - Shibuya Tokyo - another True Story

Me, I'm definitely a hugger! I've never had a problem getting hugs from people here. MMM your experience sounds bizarre - I can totally understand you were in shock! What a strange thing to say. I'm a firm believer that physical contact is a necessary part of life!

I asked my Japanese friend (20s) if she liked hugs, and she replied yes.

"So you could give your father a hug?"

She made a gagging sound and said "No way! I would probably scream or throw up."

It is easy to say "I like hugs" but next time ask a Japanese person if they do or could hug their parents or siblings and see what kind of answers you get.

Wow, that puts everything into perspective.

So does that mean she/they wouldn't hug their friends?

The reality is probably "no"...Japanese to Japanese.

My experiences are in line with most on here. Hugging is unnatural to most Japanese.

Though when one of my friends was about to go home he hugged everyone including his Japanese friends and it was all very sad and emotional (because he was going home).