When coming in contact with a new culture, it is also essential to prepare for what is “banned” in that society, often concealed in the methods of communication such as language and gestures. The problem is that words and gestures differ from culture to culture… As far as language is concerned, it is implausible that you get into trouble with it, unless you can communicate in the target language. However, it is not the same for gestures. There are times when we have no other option but to rely on gestures to communicate with one another.

That said, there are not that many gestures that carry a contradictory meaning in Japan. However, there are gestures that Japanese people use daily that may take a controversial meaning in other cultures. That means that sometimes people might make you feel unease unintentionally.

Examples:

Raising your hand

You can use this gesture to call the shopkeeper or the taxi; when you want to participate in class and answer questions. There is an infinite number of situations that we could mention but to put it in a nutshell, you raise your hand when you want to call someone’s attention.

OK Hand-sign

As the written word “OK” expresses, its gesture is also used to give consent. It is often used in the same way in other countries. However, in Japan, if you turn your palm in the “OK” gesture side up, the sign suddenly acquires the meaning of “money”. This latter usage is widespread.

Putting your little finger up

Mostly men use it to indicate that they have a girlfriend or a partner. This is because it is believed that it is the little finger around which the “red thread of destiny”, which carries the meaning of “deep bond” is fastened. Young people don’t make use of this gesture that often.
Moreover, crossing the two little fingers carries the meaning of “promise”. There is also a curse called “Yubi-kiri-genman”: linking little fingers to confirm a promise.

Put your thumb up

As with the OK sign, putting a thumb up in Japan is also a sign of consent, good luck and accomplishment. Nowadays, we often see it being used on social networking sites to express “like” (in Japanese “ii-ne”). Some women also turn their thumb up to reveal that they have a boyfriend, or they are engaged. As with the little finger, young people who use the thumb up with this meaning are not many.

Wave your hands horizontally in front of your face

At first sight, you might be thinking that someone is greeting you. However, this gesture is used to convey denial, to say “no” or “please refrain” from doing something. It is used very commonly.

Peace sign

Whether for self-appeal or to show happiness, the peace sign is often used. It is so trendy that 90% of Japanese people do the peace sign when being taken a photograph. And it is rarely made to reproduce its original meaning of “victory”. Teenagers display the “peace sign” also when showing the back of their hands.

How do you think about?
Whether it’s a specific word or a hand gesture, sometimes there can be misinterpretations of discrimination, contempt and other feelings. Nowadays, as we live in a society where there are infinite opportunities to be in touch with different cultures, knowing and preparing for cultural differences, even when it comes to gestures, is vital. It is also essential to understand the reasons why some words and gestures might not be considered appropriate in a specific culture. As you travel to a different country, should you happen to be involved in words and deeds that you find inappropriate, try to understand the reasons behind it. Why is that considered inappropriate or why do you consider something inappropriate? Please find out and feed it back!