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Japanese Body Language: 7 Key Gestures To Learn

This document discusses 7 common gestures used in Japanese body language and their meanings: 1. Beckoning someone forward is done with fingers dragging inwards then flicking out, looking like telling someone to move away. 2. Counting uses bent fingers to indicate amounts rather than stretched fingers as in the West. 3. Indirectly saying "no" is done by placing an open hand on the back of the head with a sharp breath, showing regret. 4. Giving directions is done with an outstretched palm and arm motioning gracefully rather than pointing. 5. Referring to oneself touches the forefinger to the nose during conversation. 6. The peace sign is used playfully by

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436 views4 pages

Japanese Body Language: 7 Key Gestures To Learn

This document discusses 7 common gestures used in Japanese body language and their meanings: 1. Beckoning someone forward is done with fingers dragging inwards then flicking out, looking like telling someone to move away. 2. Counting uses bent fingers to indicate amounts rather than stretched fingers as in the West. 3. Indirectly saying "no" is done by placing an open hand on the back of the head with a sharp breath, showing regret. 4. Giving directions is done with an outstretched palm and arm motioning gracefully rather than pointing. 5. Referring to oneself touches the forefinger to the nose during conversation. 6. The peace sign is used playfully by

Uploaded by

robe
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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JAPANESE BODY LANGUAGE: 7 KEY GESTURES TO LEARN

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 dont 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 youll 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 youre called over by somebody, or standing in a line and asked to move forward, youll 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 persons 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 its the complete opposite to the Western equivalent. To show an amount using hands, usually the
stretched out fingers signify the quantity. However, in Japan, its 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
Ive lived in Japan for just over a year now and dont recall hearing a Japanese person use the direct word for no (iie). For
most situations, its 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 youre most
likely to see this gesture. Apparently its 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 its rude to point, but it wasnt 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 ones self


Mid conversation you might see a native touch their forefinger to their nose, especially if trying to communicate with a non-
Japanese speaker. Its not that they are trying to make you laugh, or tell you theres 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. Its 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


Its not customary for Japanese people to shake hands or kiss each other on the cheek to greet. Its 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 arms 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.

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