It may surprise you to know there are close to 100 different gestures regularly used by Japanese people to communicate with friends, colleagues and the general public. While most of those used by Western countries are crude or considered a novelty, the Japanese rely on hand gestures to communicate everything from basic requests to expressing emotion and personal preferences.
Those visiting who don’t speak Japanese often rely on the use of hand gestures to get around which can be bemusing, considering some mean the total opposite to what has been learnt back home. Some common gestures have spread globally, making them more identifiable, and are even mimicked by foreigners; however, in many cases their significance has been lost or misinterpreted.
Here are seven gestures with their proper meanings that I can almost guarantee you’ll come across during your time in Japan. Who knows, stay here for long enough and soon you might find yourself doing them as well!
1. Beckoning someone forward
When you’re called over by somebody, or standing in a line and asked to move forward, you’ll see this beckoning movement. The hand gesture used looks more like the person is trying to shoo you away than motion you towards them.
What to look for
The person’s hand will be palm down with fingers out front. They will drag their fingers inwards to their palm, then flick them back out straight again. The flick outwards seems more prominent, making it look like they are telling you to move away.
2. Counting
This one gets everyone, as it’s the complete opposite to the Western equivalent. To show an amount using hands, usually the stretched out fingers signify the quantity. However, in Japan, it’s the bent fingers that determine the amount.
What to look for
One thumb bent into the palm while others are straight indicates “one”. “Two” is shown by resting the index finger over the thumb while keeping the remaining three straight. Three fingers to the palm indicates “three” and so on.
3. Indirectly saying “no”
I’ve lived in Japan for just over a year now and don’t recall hearing a Japanese person use the direct word for “no” (“iie”). For most situations, it’s considered too direct, which is why body language is often used in its place. For example, if a service provider cannot accommodate your request, to show regret they will often place their open hand onto the back of their head and expel air through their teeth (kind of like an audible sharp breath in). This performance replaces the use of the word “no”, requiring the receiver to understand the unspoken message.
What to look for
While many staff have learnt to say “no” to foreigners to avoid confusion, dining out or shopping is probably where you’re most likely to see this gesture. Apparently it’s more common for men to place their hand on their head, and for women to rock one hand back and forth out in front of them. The breathing sound and the look of regret on their face is most noticeable.
4. Giving directions
I was regularly told as a kid “it’s rude to point,” but it wasn’t until I moved to Japan I felt it necessary to curb the habit. Instead of pointing a finger, Japanese people hold out their hand and gracefully motion towards the location or object. It resembles how people offer food from a plate, as if they are kindly offering their advice rather than telling.
What to look for
Palm face up with elbow bent (like a waiter carrying a tray), extending the arm out towards the proposed direction.
5. Referring to one’s self
Mid conversation you might see a native touch their forefinger to their nose, especially if trying to communicate with a non-Japanese speaker. It’s not that they are trying to make you laugh, or tell you there’s food on your face, but rather a way of saying “I”. When I first moved to Japan, I regularly had friendly elderly people use this gesture to tell me basic information like their age or food recommendations.
What to look for
Raised forefinger to touch the tip of the nose during conversation.
6. Using the peace sign
The finger “V” peace sign was used by the hippie subculture during the late 60s to demonstrate their opposition to the Vietnam War. Nowadays, it is used playfully by youths and fans of Japanese pop culture. Some say it serves as a visual cue to make people smile for photographs, like the word “cheese”. It’s also been suggested women use the sign to portray themselves as cute and young-spirited.
What to look for
Palm facing outward towards camera, two fingers up to create a “V” shape with other fingers tucked into palm. Arm can be stretched out in front or bent slightly, bringing the V closer to the eyes.
7. Greetings and goodbyes
It’s not customary for Japanese people to shake hands or kiss each other on the cheek to greet. It’s most common to see them do a little bow or offer a business card, especially when meeting for the first time or attending formal occasions. When friends meet or say goodbye, they often rapidly wave, even when standing at arm’s length from each other. Just watch the school girls getting on and off the train to see this in action.
What to look out for
Elbow tucked into waist, open palm with outstretched fingers moving rapidly from side to side.
Spotted any other unique gestures in Japan? Have you adopted Japanese mannerisms living here? Let us know in the comments!
By Casey Hawkins
source – gaijinpot.com