You are the blood you bleed
Blood types are differentiated by the antigens found on the surface of our red blood cells, dictating the effectiveness of the immune system. The Japanese blood type personality theory puts forward that a person’s blood group dictates their personality. Ketsueki-gata (血液型) is a term which means analysing a person’s personality based on their blood type. The term gained popularity since the 1930s, thanks to Japanese professor Tokeji Furukawa who published a paper claiming that each blood type reflected the personality of a person who possessed it (The Times News Network , 2019).
"In 1930, the theory of personality related to blood type was adopted by the militarist government who attempted to breed better soldiers based on blood type."
So much so is the self-fulfilling prophecy of blood typing that potential employers, school entrance exams, and dating services (Nakata, 2014) apply the theory. Similarly, kindergarten classrooms are sometimes divided into blood types so that individual teaching techniques can be tailored to blood group personalities (Numer, 2011). This is similar to judging a person on the basis of their western or Chinese astrological sign. Though this personality test lacks scientific evidence to prove its claim, it is has a strong-standing role in Japanese society. A role that is also prejudiced and discriminatory, called “buru-hara” (a portmanteau for “blood-harassment”). For example, many Japanese will focus on the negative side of the B blood type. This reinforces the stereotype that such people are selfish and uncooperative.
You might have heard of Marie Kondo before, and fittingly enough as Type A she is an organizing consultant. And like Marie the most common blood type in Japan is A. This is very much like a confirmation bias and in accordance to the neatness and reliability cliché given to the Japanese (Dayman, 2019).
“Don’t forget your customized blood type towels to dry off from your blood type bath.” (Nakamine, 2014)
With this pseudoscientific belief, businesses have capitalised, targeting consumers who are concerned about blood type. Selling books, bath salts, dairy products, drinks, clothes, and condoms that are focused on blood type (Sal, 2016). Morning TV shows also often offer “blood horoscopes.” (Nakamine, 2014) And if you are an anime or manga fan, then you will also find the blood type of your favourite characters on their story bios (Sal, 2016). Such as Kurosaki Ichigo being Type A, and Sailor Moon being Type O (Sal, 2016).
“It becomes increasingly complex with romance. Young Japanese commonly exchange blood types upon first meeting, providing a supposed credible source of insight into the other person. Popular Japanese women’s magazines combine blood types with the western zodiac signs, additionally synched to the four elements (air, earth, water, fire), producing “Love Biorhythm Graphs.” Meshing 16 different female types with 16 different male types, a chart providing 256 fortunes for “You and your boyfriend’s love compatibility” allows a woman to assess a mate’s inherent compatibility and strategize accordingly.” (Numer, 2011). The included infographics show the fascinating history of a practice that pervades popular Japanese culture (Nakata, 2014).
In addition to being a personality test, the theory is applied for the self-diagnosis of ordinary ailments. Popular publications and health magazines discuss this self-diagnosis. Using blood types as a means of diagnosis and treatment goes back to the original Chinese medical influence in Japan that had lacked an emphasis on actual disease. The Chinese historically blamed diseases on an imbalance of bodily energies and substances, thus perpetuating the concept of ketsueki-gata by grounding it in a historic cultural context (Nuwer, 2011).
Asking someone about their blood type can be a good icebreaker not only in Japan, but other East Asian countries like South Korea and Taiwan. I will let you read for yourselves how your blood type supposedly defines your personality, temperament, and general compatibility with others. On the bright side, whether you are A, B, AB or O, donating blood will always be a positive contribution.
Additional Videos
Watch Why do blood types matter? narrated by Natalie S. Hodge to learn how our parents blood types determine our own
Link | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfZhb6lmxjk
What Does Your Blood Type Say About Your Personality? Psych2Go
Link | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F6rm3LpQEY
Bibliography
Dayman, L. (2019, November 14). A Crash Course in Japan’s Blood Type Theory. Retrieved from Savvy Tokyo: https://savvytokyo.com/a-crash-course-in-japans-blood-type-theory/
Nakamine, K. (2014, April 4). JAPANESE BLOOD TYPES: and WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT YOUR PERSONALITY. Retrieved from Tofugu: https://www.tofugu.com/japan/japanese-blood-type/#:~:text=Blood%20Type%20AB,-Blood%20type%20AB&text=For%20example%2C%20they%20are%20shy,%E5%A4%89%E3%82%8F%E3%82%8A%E8%80%85%20%E3%81%8B%20%E3%82%82%E3%81%AE%20%2C%20or%20eccentric.
Nakata, Y. (2014, August 19). The Curious Japanese Obsession With Blood Types. Retrieved from GaijinPot Blog: https://blog.gaijinpot.com/blood-type/
Numer, R. (2011, February 15). You are what you bleed: In Japan and other east Asian countries some believe blood type dictates personality. Retrieved from Scientific American: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/you-are-what-you-bleed-in-japan-and-other-east-asian-countries-some-believe-blood-type-dictates-personality/
Sal. (2016, May 31). Blood Type In Japan. Retrieved from Japan Sauce: https://japansauce.net/2016/05/31/blood-type-in-japan/
The Times News Network . (2019, April 24). What’s your blood group? The answer might reveal some interesting things about you. Retrieved from Times of India: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/whats-your-blood-group-the-answer-might-reveal-some-interesting-things-about-you/photostory/69024174.cms
Infographic Source
https://blog.gaijinpot.com/blood-type/
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