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!
![[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 "[Quiz] How Well Do You Know Your Japanese Hand Gestures?")
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.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Station of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line
Japanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
Cup Noodle sells new squid fork with its instant ramen
Japan now has fish-shaped soy sauce bottle hand cream
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
Tokyo’s downtown Chuo Line now has first-class Green Car carriages for no additional cost to ride
Makers of Dassai to brew sake in space and sell 100 milliliters for 100 million yen
Weekly
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost- Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools- This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】
Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke plushies show a softer side of formidable Ghibli characters
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour Totoro
Monthly
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Starbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws
Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
Japan’s most popular castle raising ticket prices by up to 200 percent for non-local tourists
Furikake rice seasoning sales are soaring, which is bad news for Japan as a whole
Studio Ghibli heroine cardigans give you warmth and strength to face everyday challenges
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”- Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Yearly
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengers- Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
[Deleted] Article written for April Fool’s Day 2018
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Foreigner’s request for help in Tokyo makes us sad for the state of society
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Cup Noodle sells new squid fork with its instant ramen
Japan now has fish-shaped soy sauce bottle hand cream
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
Tokyo’s downtown Chuo Line now has first-class Green Car carriages for no additional cost to ride
Makers of Dassai to brew sake in space and sell 100 milliliters for 100 million yen
We taste makunouchi bento at four Japanese convenience store chains【Taste comparison】
10 awesome ice creams available from convenience stores in Japan
How do European Cup Noodles taste to a Japanese palate?
Which Japanese convenience store has the best lucky sushi roll? Unclear results show clear winner
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
World’s first real ramen in a can now available at Japanese vending machines
Beautiful Japanese garden green tea crepes waiting in Tokyo’s historical Asakusa neighborhood
Daiso’s Standard Products store — what’s worth buying and what’s not? Our expert weighs in
Nakano Broadway sells a fukubukuro lucky bag for foreigners, but is it a good deal or a scam?
-
