gestures
Not so long ago, a friend of mine from the UK came to visit me here in Japan. After showing him around town and making sure to take him to all of the most popular tourist spots, he remarked that quite a few of the subtle behaviours Japanese people exhibit seemed, while in no way offensive, remarkably different to those of our own countrymen. As we worked through a couple of the more unusual customs and behaviours that my friend had noticed, it struck me that at some point during my eight years of living here I had come to accept the everyday quirks of the people around me as entirely normal and not in the slightest bit odd.
Last year, we discussed the 10 things that we love and the 10 things we just can’t stomach about Japan, but today we at RocketNews24 felt it was time to present you with a list of random but genuine observations, from the peculiar to the downright endearing, about the Japanese people themselves. Enjoy!
Recently we ran an article about obscene gestures in many parts of the world, but now RocketNews would like to turn the lens inwards for a look at Japan’s hand gestures.
You may have some experience with these from spending time in Japan or from Japanese film and manga, but how well do you really think you know the gestures of this country? Take this quiz to find out.


![[Quiz] How Well Do You Know Your Japanese Hand Gestures? [Quiz] How Well Do You Know Your Japanese Hand Gestures?](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/06/img_4379.jpg?w=640)
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
We test Daiso’s new storage container to see if it keeps rice fluffy even after freezing
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
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
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
We test Daiso’s new storage container to see if it keeps rice fluffy even after freezing
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
Matcha parfait looks like a Japanese zen garden, hides a treasure trove of secret surprises
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
Cosplayers brave the cold in skimpy outfits at Winter Comiket in Japan
Udon Doughnuts boom in popularity, get a whole new look at Japanese restaurant chain
Japan’s wildest Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony celebrates new adults in Kitakyushu 【Photos】
Japanese Mom’s son makes Mario Maker course just for her, easy to clear, impossible to forget【Vid】