In the same way that there are people who believe in horoscopes and that their personality is determined by their zodiac sign, in Japan things work differently. Rather than horoscopes, the Japanese believe that personality is determined by a person's blood type (Ketsueki gata).
Ketsueki Gata - Blood Types
In Japan, blood types are considered an important indicator of a person's personality. It is known as the "Theory of personality by blood type"
Although this is more of a superstition, many people believe it. In fact, a survey done in Japan shows that 29% of men and 45% of women believe in this “theory”.
In Japan, the concept of personality determined by blood type is called Ketsuekigata seikaku handan (血液型性格判断). The horoscope involving the blood type is called Ketsueki gata uranai (血液型占い).
In addition to personality, some believe that blood type can affect temperament and even compatibility in romantic relationships.
Perhaps this is one of the main reasons that idols, celebrities, characters from anime, manga and games have their blood type highlighted in some related publication. Everything to make the otakus love yours even more waifus.
Blood Type Personalities in Japan
Below we will see a short summary and quick description of the blood types in Japan. There are complete books and materials specializing in just one blood type, the material created involving blood types is gigantic as are the horoscopes that receive daily predictions.
Type A
Most Japanese people are blood type A. According to theory, people of this blood type are organized, intense, detail-oriented, rational, reserved, polite, trustworthy, patient, responsible, and perfectionists.
On the other hand, type A people are shy, obsessive, sensitive, obtuse, orthodox, stressed, withdrawn, stubborn, and exaggerated.
Type B
Type B people are considered passionate, relaxed, cheerful, outgoing, adventurous, curious, unconventional, carefree, active, flexible, unpretentious, and creative.
On the other hand, they are selfish, irresponsible, immature, unpredictable, erratic, indecisive, unforgivable, uncooperative and lazy.
Type AB
Type AB people are considered eccentric, well-behaved, moderate, artistic, sociable, mysterious, charismatic, popular, adaptable, diplomatic, talented, and spiritual.
On the other hand, they are prejudiced, impatient, complicated, forgetful, petty, hypocritical, vulnerable and distant.
Type O
Type O people are seen as optimistic, confident, devout, ambitious, athletic, sincere, loyal, vain, independent, influential, idealistic, and intuitive.
On the other hand, they are cold, cruel, impolite, envious, insecure, arrogant, imitative, uncompromising, authoritarian and inflexible.
Where did this blood type theory come from, anyway?
In 1927, psychologist Takeji Furukawa was a teacher at a women's school attached to a university. He began to question the school's enrollment system, which was based on academic ability. He wanted a system that also considered candidates' personalities.
After World War II, discussions of the blood typing theory disappeared for some time. But in the 1970s, a journalist named Masahiko Nomi, influenced by Takeji Furukawa, published a book on the relationships between blood types and personalities. This book has become a bestseller and helped to spread the theory more widely.
The trend slowed down sharply in the 2000s due to movements that were against this theory. So even though people's personal thoughts about blood type personalities are still pretty strong, there aren't as many media outlets about it as before.
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Blood type facts
As with the Horoscope and other similar things around the world, blood type in Japan receives a lot of material on the subject. Books, magazines, newspapers, TV shows, campaigns and personal interpretations. Even Facebook has jumped on the bandwagon and allows Japanese people to post their blood type on their profile.
Discrimination based on blood type – Amazingly, Japanese people can discriminate or even form an opinion without knowing it more deeply based on the person's blood type. Sometimes fanaticism is such that this act of discrimination has even been given a name. Burahara (ブラハラ) is the name of this social phenomenon that judges others because of their blood type.
Blood Types in Japanese
Now let's talk about blood in the Japanese language. Here you will learn how to say blood type in Japanese, ask or read about it. Below is a list of words related to blood:
Responsive Table: Scroll the table sideways with your finger >>
| Portuguese | Japanese | Romaji |
| Blood | 血 | chi |
| liquid, fluid | 液 | eki |
| type, model | 型 | kata |
| Blood (scientific term) | 血液 | ketsueki |
| Blood Type | 血液型 | Ketsuekigata |
| HR | アールエッチ | aaruecchi |
| A | エー | ee |
| B | ビー | bii |
| The | オー | oo |
| Formula/type (suffix = A式) | 式 | shiki |
| Negative | 陰性 | insei |
| positive | 陽性 | yousei |
- [血液型は何ですか] - What's your blood type?
- 私の血液型はO型Rh(+)です - My Blood is The Positive;
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