Just like there are people who believe in horoscopes and that their personality is determined by their zodiac sign, in Japan, things work differently. Instead of horoscopes, the Japanese believe that personality is determined by a person’s blood type (Ketsueki gata).
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Ketsueki Gata – Blood Types
In Japan, blood types are considered an important indicator of a person’s personality. It is known as the “Blood Type Personality Theory.”
Although this is more of a superstition, many people believe in it. In fact, a survey conducted in Japan shows that 29% of men and 45% of women believe in this “theory.”
In Japan, personality determined by blood type is called Ketsuekigata seikaku handan (血液型性格判断), and the horoscope involving blood type is called Ketsueki gata uranai (血液型占い).
Besides 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, anime characters, manga, and games have their blood type highlighted in some related publication. All to make otakus love their waifus even more.
Blood Type Personalities in Japan
Below we will see a brief summary and quick description of the blood types in Japan. There are complete books and materials specialized in just one blood type; the material created involving blood types is enormous, just like the horoscopes that receive daily predictions.
Type A
The majority of Japanese people are blood type A. According to the theory, people of this blood type are organized, intense, detail-oriented, rational, reserved, polite, reliable, patient, responsible, and perfectionists.
On the other hand, type A people are shy, obsessive, sensitive, obtuse, orthodox, stressed, distant, stubborn, and exaggerated.
Type B
Type B people are considered passionate, relaxed, cheerful, extroverted, adventurous, curious, unconventional, carefree, active, flexible, unpretentious, and creative.
On the other hand, they are selfish, irresponsible, immature, unpredictable, erratic, indecisive, unforgiving, uncooperative, and lazy.
Type AB
Type AB people are seen as 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 viewed as optimistic, confident, devoted, ambitious, athletic, sincere, loyal, vain, independent, influential, idealistic, and intuitive.
On the other hand, they are cold, cruel, rude, envious, insecure, arrogant, imitative, uncommitted, authoritarian, and inflexible.
Where Did This Blood Type Theory Come From, After All?
In 1927, psychologist Takeji Furukawa was a teacher at a women’s school affiliated with a university. He began to question the school’s enrollment system, which was based on academic ability. He wanted a system that also considered the personalities of the candidates.
After World War II, discussions about blood type theory disappeared for a while. But in the 1970s, a journalist named Masahiko Nomi, influenced by Takeji Furukawa, published a book about the relationships between blood types and personalities. This book became a bestseller and helped spread the theory more widely.
The trend diminished significantly in the 2000s due to movements that were against this theory. So, even though people’s personal thoughts about blood type personalities are still quite strong, there are not as many media outlets about it as before.
Curiosities Related to Blood Type
Just like the Horoscope and other similar things around the world, blood type in Japan receives various materials on the subject. Books, magazines, newspapers, TV programs, campaigns, and personal interpretations. Even Facebook joined in and allows Japanese people to put their blood type on their profile.
Discrimination Based on Blood Type – Surprisingly, Japanese people can discriminate or even form an opinion without knowing more deeply based on a person’s blood type. Sometimes, the fanaticism is so great that this act of discrimination has even received a name. Burahara (ブラハラ) is the name of this social phenomenon that judges others based on 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 about it, or read about the subject. See below 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 |
| RH | アールエッチ | aaruecchi |
| A | エー | ee |
| B | ビー | bii |
| O | 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 is your blood type?
- 私の血液型はO型Rh(+)です – My blood type is O Positive;
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