Title: Show Me What You Mean! 16+ Japanese Gestures
Headings: Show Me What You Mean! 16+ Japanese Gestures
16+ Essential Japanese Gestures, Plus Body Language to Avoid
Why Learn Japanese Gestures?
Gestures and Body Language to Avoid in Japan
Looking people in the eye too much
Spreading out arms and legs
Slouching and hands in pockets
Crossing your arms
Pointing
Show Me What You Mean! 16+ Japanese Gestures
The King of Gestures: Bowing
1. The “right” way to bow
Look at the ground and bend from the waist, pause for a moment, then stand up straight.
2. Giving and receiving gifts
Yes, No and Not Sure
3. Yes/okay
4. No
5. I don’t know/excuse me
Gesturing to People
6. Referring to yourself
7. Referring to others
8. Beckoning
Counting
9. Counting on your fingers in Japanese
Expressing Feelings
10. Anger
11. Embarrassment
12. Gratitude
13. Determination
More Japanese Gestures!
14. Calling dibs
15. Let’s eat/let’s drink
16. Peace sign
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Content: Drunk, sleeping salarymen aside, in Japan it’s considered really bad form to take up more space than you need, especially on public transport. And while we’re on the topic of public transport, the people of Tokyo request that you speak quietly and avoid talking on the phone, and always stand up to give seating room to the elderly and people with children! Slouching and hands in pockets
It may be the most comfortable way to stand, but in Japan leaning languorously against a wall with your hands in your pockets is considered to look lazy and messy. Just as it does in the English-speaking world, good posture shows that you’re alert and paying attention. Crossing your arms
This is considered a hostile position, and it’s unlikely that anybody will approach you for a chat if you’re standing with your arms crossed. If you cross your arms during a conversation with a Japanese person you don’t know very well, they may take that as a signal that you don’t want to talk. However, crossing arms with eyes closed shows that you’re thinking deeply about something, which in some conversations is just right! Pointing
Don’t do it. Like staring someone in the eyes, it comes across as too strong, and potentially aggressive. Even if you’re giving directions or gesturing towards an object, you should gently indicate direction with an open palm.