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
Silicone testicle covers banned from Japanese sauna following cups being left behind and on shelves
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Japanese government planning higher ticket prices for foreign tourists at Tokyo National Museum
Studio Ghibli now sells Ursula’s backpack from Kiki’s Delivery Service at its anime shop in Japan
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
Mister Donut unveils new sakura doughnuts for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan asked to vote on what to officially call insanely hot days
Domo-kun Diner is serving up your Domo-eats in Yokohama
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Is Tokyo Station’s startlingly expensive wagyu bento boxed lunch worth its high price?[Taste test]
Live-action One Piece’s Luffy teaches Sesame Street’s Elmo a Japanese word for friendship[Video]
Sakura Festival in Chiyoda mixes illuminations, boats, music, and Rilakkuma in the heart of Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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