It would appear in Japan a new species of teenager has emerged.
Once upon a time there were Yankees, a rough and tumble group of youths who flaunted convention, rocked mullets, smoked, and occasionally resorted to fisticuffs when it was called for. Sure, they were a little unrefined but you knew where they stood.
However, now it seems a new breed of young men and women have evolved from this who enjoy climbing into freezers and standing on subway tracks for fun. This new class is being named DQN (Dokyun) in Japan.
The name DQN has been around for a while, originating as internet slang for Yankees, but with the recent spate of petty crime themed photos posted on Twitter and other social media in Japan, it seems to have found a new home. The above photo which has circulated around the net in Japan provides an outline of the modern DQN. Let’s take a look at it in English.
If you’re an old fart like me you might not be familiar with Maximum the Hormone. They’re like this generation’s Japanese Sepultura or Korn. They use “the shocker” as their hand sign. I’m not sure if it’s intentional though.
Also, it’s hard to tell from the illustration, but a “school bag” in this instance is kind of like a tote bag. When worn on the back like a knapsack it can be quite the nuisance to those around on a busy street or train.
Netizens agreed with the analysis saying, “I know a kid like this” and “When I see them I have to hold back the laughter.” Depending on how you look at it, this could be a sign of the degradation of society, or just the rest of us getting older and losing touch.
Either way, since someone like the guy drawn above will most likely be managing my elderly care facility when the time comes, I’d like to officially pledge allegiance to the DQN by saying loafers suck and Maximum the Hormone rocks!
Source: Twitter via Byokan Sunday (Japanese)
Video: YouTube – MTHOFFICIAL
Bag Image: Amazon



Japanese heavy metal band Maximum the Hormone’s London gig gives our reporter new outlook on life
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Is a snow day the perfect day to beat the crowds at a popular ramen restaurant? [Experiment]
Asakusa’s Yoi no Yoi bar crawl is one of Tokyo’s best local nights out
Testing Japan’s fluffy mayonnaise pancake cooking hack【SoraKitchen】
Sanrio changes Hello Kitty lead designer for first time in 46 years
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Lawson convenience stores sell a mega katsu sando, and there’s a hack to get it cheap in Japan
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Five amazing snow-view open-air Japanese hot springs in Hokkaido [Photos]
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
New Family Mart cinema opens inside Japanese airport
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Man arrested in Japan after leaving car in coin parking lot for six years, racking up three-million-yen bill
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Leave a Reply