Is it impolite to talk about likes and dislikes in Japanese culture?

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Snickles

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I want to teach my adult ESL students a little lesson on likes and dislikes as a way to get to know them better. However, I've heard that it is rude to flat-out state you dislike something. Also, would it be okay to show flash cards with little cartoon characters on them? (For example, a picture of a furry monster holding a cake for "I like cake.") I've heard that "kawaii" is a big thing in Japan, but not sure if adults like it.
 
Likes are good.But dislikes can be taken as an insult. And you have to be careful about talking down to people without realizing it.Age is going to be a factor.Talk to them like adults,not children.A furry little monster might be looked at as childish.
I work with a lot of people from other countries.All people like to laugh.But it should be done in a positive manner.
 
kawaii is generally used by teenage and younger girls, or when referring to someone elses' children.

Using photos/drawings shouldn't be too bad, but you really need to gauge the mood of your class.

I would be very hesitant to just start doing cutesy stuff without knowing that they are fully open to it. Maybe introduce it slowly and see how it works out.
 
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