Japanese Blood Type Personality | What is Ketsueki-Gata?

Unless you are a regular blood donor you probably do not know, let alone think about, your blood type. However, if you live in Japan it is a completely different story. 

 

Within Japanese society, from dating to job applications, some people believe your blood type can determine the sort of person you are, as well as whether you are compatible with specific people or job roles. 

 

Keep reading to find out your Japanese blood type personality and what it says about you. 

 

What is the Japanese blood type personality theory?

 

Essentially, the theory states that your blood type is a determining factor when it comes to your behaviour and personality. 

 

Why is blood type a big deal in Japan?

 

In the 1920s, Takeji Furukawa conducted research entitled “The Study of Temperament through Blood Type”. This was the first iteration of the theory in Japan. Following this, the concept was used to categorise soldiers, as well as to explain human actions in historical events, such as Taiwanese resistance to Japanese conquering. 

 

Later on, the concept would return as a trending topic following the publishing of multiple books by Masahiko Nomi and his son Toshitaka. It even spanned the invention of the term “bura hara”, which denotes discrimination based on a person’s blood type. 

 

 

Do people in Japan know their blood type?

 

Absolutely! Books referencing the blood type personality theory were bestsellers, selling over five million copies. Similarly, blood type compatibility details and horoscopes are frequently shown on television and published in newspapers and magazines. Additionally, when you sign up to a dating agency, many will even cater to different blood types. 

 

There are also product ranges geared towards specific bloodtypes, including bath products, snacks, drinks and even sexual health products. 

 

We would suggest learning your blood type before you go to Japan, as being asked for your blood type can be just as common as being asked what your star sign is in English.

 

You should look out for: 

 

血液型  何型?

けつえきがた、なにがた？

This translates to: What blood type are you? 

 

What are the rarest and most common blood types? 

 

In Japan, AB is the rarest blood type, while Type A is the most common one, followed by type O. This is especially interesting considering the connotations of each blood type, which are listed below. 

 

 

What does my blood type mean in Japan?

 

Essentially, the theory suggests there are both positive and negative personality tropes associated with the different blood types. They are as follows:

 

O Blood Type Personality 

 

If your blood type is O, you are:

 

• Competitive 

• Strong-willed

• Confident 

• Easygoing 

• A natural leader 

• Punctual

 

However, you can also be: 

 

• Selfish

• Aggressive 

• Arrogant 

• Insensitive 

 

When it comes to dating, you would be most compatible with type As, or other type Os.

 

 

AB Blood Type Personality

 

Generally, if your blood type is AB your qualities are a mixture of those associated with both type A and B. According to the blood type personality theory, you are generally:

 

• Rational 

• Adaptable

• Talented 

• Composed 

 

However, in contradiction, you can also be:

 

• Shy sometimes and outgoing at other times 

• Critical

• Aloof 

• Indecisive

• Two-faced 

• Eccentric 

 

In terms of dating, you can be compatible with any other blood type due to your flexibility. 

 

 

 B Blood Type Personality 

 

If your blood type is B, you are considered to be:

 

• Outgoing

• Extroverted 

• Spontaneous 

• Creative 

• Passionate 

 

However, you can also be:

 

• Overly independent 

• Impatient 

• Self-centred 

• Uncooperative 

 

From a dating perspective, the theory would suggest you would be most likely to find success with type ABs or other type Bs.

 

 

A Blood Type Personality 

 

Finally, if you are type A, you are considered to be:

 

• Kind

• Compassionate 

• Friendly

• Warm

• Neat 

• Ernest 

 

In contrast, you can also be:

 

• Obsessive 

• Shy 

• Fastidious 

• Anxious 

• Stubborn

 

When it comes to your love life, you should try and date type AB people or other A type people. 

 

 

Is there any scientific evidence that blood type matters?

 

Essentially, no. Within a study by Kengo Nawata, blood type only explained less than 0.3% of any variations in personality. 

 

However, this has not diminished the importance of blood types within Japanese society, even if discrimination is currently not as severe as it used to be. With types such as B being negatively stereotyped as selfish and individualistic, for example. 

 

Additional studies by Akira Sakamoto conclude that any personality traits that coincide with blood type can be attributed to psychological suggestion. Essentially, he found that the correlation between blood type and the corresponding stereotypes was present after 1984, when related topics were extremely popular. 

 

This indicates that they almost acted as a “self-fulfilling prophecy”, as people moulded their personalities to fit their blood type once they were given the suggestion. 

 

Ultimately, your blood type is not the be-all and end-all and there is not a great deal of scientific evidence to suggest it impacts your personality. There is no limit to what you can achieve if you put your mind to it; it can merely act as a guide to how you may react to certain situations or work within a team. 

 

Whether you are looking for love or travelling for work, we know you will now be prepared when someone asks your blood type! 

 

Get in touch with us today for more help on Japanese social customs, careers and more.

 

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