Sexual Relations in Japan
The Japanese tend to view bodily functions of any kind in a more forthright manner than we may feel comfortable doing, including sex. This does not mean that they have a society of "free sex" so to speak. Rather, it simply means that they are aware of it as a bodily function, the same as anything else, and that the importance of fertility and reproduction is imbedded in their society. Fertility rites and festivals are still observed in many areas of the country. Their social mores and philosophies reflect this fact. While many of these beliefs may not be openly embraced today, they are still part of the mores of the society.
Symbolism In Anime: Love and Friendship
Some people question whether Cloud and Tifa had sexual relations under the Highwind the night before the final battle with Sephiroth. As you can see from the above, the Japanese would not consider this to be necessarily indicative of an actual love relationship between Cloud and Tifa. Actually, there are at least three different versions of that particular scene, since it is governed by Tifa’s affection rating with Cloud as determined by the Date mechanism. In at least one version, Cloud is capable of showing absolutely no affection whatsoever to Tifa. This is fully documented with dialogue and screenshots at the following page: Last Night Under the Highwind - Low Affection Version
Furthermore, it is also quite possible that Cloud and Aerith had sexual relations. In the Cloud and Aerith date scene, we see this exchange:
Aerith: "I want to meet you."
Cloud: "But I'm right here."
Aerith: "I know, I know. What I mean is... I want to meet... you."
To interpret this scene accurately, I asked a Japanese language and cultural expert online at AllExperts.com whether the phrase, “I want to meet you” has a colloquial meaning in Japan. Here is my question and his answer:
Question
I'm wondering if the phrase, "I want to meet you" has a colloquial meaning to the Japanese along romantic lines? I've seen it used a number of times in English translations of Japanese songs and poems, and it seems to imply a romantic (or sexual?) encounter. Does it have that meaning colloquially?
Answer
You are absolutely right. The Japanese being very often obtuse in their use of language do use this expression to mean a romantic interest and it is found very often in pop songs. It is used most predictably in the speech of people from Tokyo but I have also heard it used in Osaka.
From Matt, at: AllExperts.com
So we have established that Aerith was actually asking Cloud for a romantic, and possibly, a sexual relationship on the night of their date. Remember that even though Cloud did not respond to her at that moment and said very little to her that night, this is quite typical behavior for a Japanese male, and does not mean that Cloud wasn’t interested. Again, we are looking for the wrong indications of a love relationship between them. So what *does* indicate that Cloud and Aerith were actually in love with one another?
you, wink wink, nudge nudge." and he'd know what I meant. Even if it is romantic it doesn't imply sex... But I am curious now, I might ask my Japanesey friends.
