What is your blood type? Chances are you may have encountered being asked this question while in Japan. This is one of the most common questions asked throughout the country, whether you’re in rural or urban areas. You may find it weird at first, but for them, it’s as normal as asking questions for directions. So, why do they ask people such a question?

Over the years, Japan evolved from a traditional to an ultramodern country. With their advancements in technology, most of the global audience believed that the country doesn’t dwell on old-fashioned and non-scientific beliefs anymore. But, in reality, they still do. One of these beliefs is the theory that a person’s blood type influences their own personality. It’s their way of distinguishing the temperament and compatibility of the person with other people. So if it’s your first time to visit the country, brace yourself as you will probably encounter this question more than once.

Blood Type Personality in Japan: A Guide

In Japanese culture, it is believed that a person’s blood type is an essential indicator of one’s personality. For them, it determines whether one’s character will be compatible with other people and how it affects the work that they do. They also use this theory when making friends or conversing with newly-met people such as tourists. Where did this blood type theory originate?

The idea of linking blood type to one’s personality started in Japan during 1916 when a Japanese doctor, Kimata Hara, published a research paper claiming that blood group is linked with one’s temperament. Around 1925, military personnel began typing soldier’s blood as they believed that it can identify their strengths and weaknesses. However, the theory was opened to the public when a psychologist, Takeji Furukawa, wrote his thesis titled “The Study of Temperament Through Blood Type”.

The thesis proposed the idea of basing a school’s entrance exam on the applicant’s academic abilities and personalities. Unfortunately, some academics denied his work in 1933. Afterwards, discussions surrounding the theory died down for some time until it came back to life in 1970 with the help of Masahiko Nomi.

Masahiko Nomi, influenced by Furukawa, published a book about the relationships between blood types and personalities. This book became a bestseller and was responsible for bringing the theory back to mainstream consciousness. In the 1980s, the theory was prevalent in many forms of media such as music, film, and even TV. Since then, the theory has been widely used by the Japanese people until the present day. So, if you still don’t know what your blood type says about your personality, let’s take a look at all of the blood types and see what it says about you.

A Blood Type Personality

In the Japanese blood type personality chart, people with blood type A are known to be highly-organized, particularly precise, and pay much attention to details. They are diplomatic and friendly in nature, so you won’t have a hard time approaching them. They seek harmony among other people, but they sometimes prefer to be alone because of their sensitive nature.

When conversing with people who belong to the A group, make them comfortable, and be extra sensitive as they are known to be fragile-hearted. They are anxious and easily get hurt; that’s why it takes time for them to open up to people. If you want to be friends with them, be patient and get to know them slowly.

B Blood Type Personality

In Japan, people with blood type B are known to be easy-going, honest, and bubbly. Compared to all blood type personalities, the B group is the most outgoing. They are generally curious and are not afraid to speak their minds. They can sometimes express their opinions regardless of what other people might feel. Because of this, they are sometimes perceived to be selfish and self-centered.

They are independent and known for their creativity. People with B blood types are optimistic, so they are generally more relaxed when dealing with problems. They are focused on achieving their goals and don’t like interference from other people. It’s nice to be friends with them because they are loyal and non-pretentious.

AB Blood Type Personality

Blood type personality AB is the most interesting blood type compared to others. This blood type is the combination of the precise qualities of A types and the free-spiritedness of B types. Given that it’s a rare blood type, people with this type are often perceived as geniuses or psychos. They can be unpredictable and curious. People who belong to the AB types usually jump around from one activity to another, depending on their mood and situation.

The AB group is eccentric, meaning they are naturally curious. They chase ideal dreams and pursue learning and knowledge in a wide range of fields. They are calm and rational but have a complicated personality. When getting to know people who belong to the AB group, just be calm and be patient.

O Blood Type Personality

People with the blood type personality O are known to be eccentric. They are optimistic and can easily get along with everybody. Whenever faced with a problem, they can control their emotions to avoid creating a negative vibe among other people. Being visionaries, they focus more on the picture with high confidence. Because of this, they are sometimes viewed as arrogant.

The O group is labeled as natural leaders and interestingly, most Japanese Prime Ministers belong to this blood type group. They are experts in expressing their thoughts and opinions constructively which makes them good leaders. On the other hand, they also have some difficulties in expressing their feelings because they are afraid of being rejected. If you want to get to know them better, you can simply go with their flow and be there for them whenever they’re having a tough time.

Conclusion

So there you have it. Now, you know all the associated traits of the different blood type personalities. With this, you can now confidently answer the question, “what’s your blood type?” without hesitation. So, if you’re planning to go to Japan, better know your blood type and study other blood types as well.

Asking for other people’s blood type in Japan is as normal as saying “Hello.” It can be a good ice breaker and can even help you with understanding and communicating better with the locals. Blood type aside, the takeaway from this is that it is important to know your personality and how you adapt and communicate with people. Knowing and shaping your character is the first step in self-discovery. And soon enough, you won’t have any troubles when asked with different yet intriguing questions when you travel.

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