1.

Beckoning someone
forward
When youre called over by somebody, or standing in a line and asked to move
forward, youll see this beckoning movement. The hand gesture used looks more like
the person is trying to shoo you away than motion you towards them.

What to look for

The persons hand will be palm down with fingers out front. They will drag their
fingers inwards to their palm, then flick them back out straight again. The flick
outwards seems more prominent, making it look like they are telling you to move
away.

2. Counting
This one gets everyone, as its the complete opposite to the Western equivalent. To
show an amount using hands, usually the stretched out fingers signify the quantity.
However, in Japan, its the bent fingers that determine the amount.
What to look for
One thumb bent into the palm while others are straight indicates one. Two is
shown by resting the index finger over the thumb while keeping the remaining three
straight. Three fingers to the palm indicates three and so on.

3. Indirectly saying no
Ive lived in Japan for just over a year now and dont recall hearing a Japanese person
use the direct word for no (iie). For most situations, its considered too direct,
which is why body language is often used in its place. For example, if a service
provider cannot accommodate your request, to show regret they will often place their
open hand onto the back of their head and expel air through their teeth (kind of like an
audible sharp breath in). This performance replaces the use of the word no,
requiring the receiver to understand the unspoken message.

What to look for

While many staff have learnt to say no to foreigners to avoid confusion, dining out
or shopping is probably where youre most likely to see this gesture. Apparently its
more common for men to place their hand on their head, and for women to rock one
hand back and forth out in front of them. The breathing sound and the look of regret
on their face is most noticeable.
4. Giving directions
I was regularly told as a kid its rude to point, but it wasnt until I moved to Japan I
felt it necessary to curb the habit. Instead of pointing a finger, Japanese people hold
out their hand and gracefully motion towards the location or object. It resembles how
people offer food from a plate, as if they are kindly offering their advice rather than
telling.

What to look for

Palm face up with elbow bent (like a waiter carrying a tray), extending the arm out
towards the proposed direction.

5. Referring to ones self

Mid conversation you might see a native touch their forefinger to their nose,
especially if trying to communicate with a non-Japanese speaker. Its not that they are
trying to make you laugh, or tell you theres food on your face, but rather a way of
saying I. When I first moved to Japan, I regularly had friendly elderly people use
this gesture to tell me basic information like their age or food recommendations.

What to look for

Raised forefinger to touch the tip of the nose during conversation.
6. Using the peace sign
The finger V peace sign was used by the hippie subculture during the late 60s to
demonstrate their opposition to the Vietnam War. Nowadays, it is used playfully by
youths and fans of Japanese pop culture. Some say it serves as a visual cue to make
people smile for photographs, like the word cheese. Its also been suggested women
use the sign to portray themselves as cute and young-spirited.

What to look for

Palm facing outward towards camera, two fingers up to create a V shape with other
fingers tucked into palm. Arm can be stretched out in front or bent slightly, bringing
the V closer to the eyes.
7. Greetings and
goodbyes
Its not customary for Japanese people to shake hands or kiss each other on the cheek
to greet. Its most common to see them do a little bow or offer a business card,
especially when meeting for the first time or attending formal occasions. When friends
meet or say goodbye, they often rapidly wave, even when standing at arms length
from each other. Just watch the school girls getting on and off the train to see this in
action.
What to look out for
Elbow tucked into waist, open palm with outstretched fingers moving rapidly from
side to side.