The Origins of Anime Gestures and Poses

Have you ever wondered while watching anime what a certain gesture meant? If you are an avid watcher of Japanese anime, you may have picked up on certain social and cultural cues and gestures. One can make assumptions but how do you know they are true without actually looking up the answers? Without cultural context or prior knowledge, assumptions may turn out to be skewed or misinterpreted. So to enlighten some folk on what actual anime gestures mean, I decided to study where they came from. Anime carries a lot of cultural context and complexity of its country of origin, Japan. As such, it reflects Japanese ideals and culture, including the gestures and poses characters, emulate throughout a series. So to understand the meanings behind particular poses or gestures a character strikes, you have to look at where it comes from, which are real-life gestures. These cultural gestures and exchanges were around before animation was created. So a lot of gestures within anime are based upon real world cultural expressions but there are also poses that were created for anime that have been brought into the real world. There is an interesting exchange between how gestures and poses are brought to and from the real world. So this piece will cover the origin of gestures and poses found in Japanese anime stemming from real-life Japanese gestures, and poses found in anime that have been reenacted in the real world. In addition to translating the various meanings of the gestures, an analysis will also be covered on the assumptions of what they mean from an American’s point of view. This analysis of the American’s point of view can provide additional context and interest spurring from the difference between cultures and what assumptions can be made.             

There are four main topics this blossay will address. 1) To look at how real-life cultural gestures and poses are translated into animation. 2) To look at differences in how things are conveyed in comparison with American culture.  3) To identify particular anime poses and techniques that are heavily prevalent within Japanese anime.  4) To look at how poses in anime have been adopted and reenacted in the real world. In order to help with the analysis of how the gestures may differ between cultures and be up for interpretation, I surveyed four individuals (two male, two female) and asked them what they thought the meanings were behind various Japanese gestures. After providing their interpretations, they were asked why they had those thoughts, to where most of the responses compared them to similar American gestures. This comparison can explain how growing up in different cultural environments can lead to different ways of thinking, different interpretation. The way a person sees something can be due to their upbringing and surroundings, which is why interpretations may be left skewed. We will now look at 20 Japanese gestures that are translated into anime and compare their true meaning to American interpretations. The descriptions of the gestures can be by majority found in “70 Japanese Gestures” by Ahmad Abdullah (Abdullah, 2004).        

Part 1: To look at how real-life cultural gestures and poses are translated into animation and to look at differences in how things are conveyed in comparison with American culture.

1. Watashi (わたし)- Me

In Japan, when someone is referring to oneself they will point to their nose. In America, when someone is referring to themselves they will most likely point to their chest. Since the gestures are so similar the overall meaning is not lost. The surveyed individuals were able to interpret the meaning because the action was pointing to oneself, which is considered almost as a universal gesture; pointing at oneself is referring to that individual.    

2. Kotchi ni oide (こっちにおいで)- Come over here

In Japan, when someone is ushering someone over they will make a hand gesture that consists of turning their palm down and curling all of their fingers in a fluid motion of bending and straitening. In America, when someone is trying to call someone over they will typically take the hand with the palm facing up and the all other fingers closed except for the pointer finger, where the individual will bend and straighten that finger, in order to grab attention to that person. While both gestures consist of bend a finger or fingers, the meaning behind this was lost in translation when surveying an American. Some collected responses consisted of a dog or cat paw and a jellyfish.    

3. Chotto matte (ちょっとまって)- Wait a Moment

In Japan, when someone needs a moment they will thrust out their hand in a stop like motion with the palm facing the other individual with all fingers extended signifying wait a moment. This is very similar to America’s wait one minute gesture which is holding one finger up usually the pointer finger. America’s wait a minute gesture looks like the number one sign gesture in Japan which it also carries that same notation in America, so someone from Japan may misinterpret when an American is motioning to wait a moment for number one. In Japan also raising just the pointer can be misleading to a child because they can see this as a game known as “grab this finger” (kono yubi tohmare).     

4. Warau (わらう)- to Laugh

In Japan, covering one’s mouth while laughing is common. This gesture stems from the old days in Japan where showing your teeth signified weakness or joking. To show one’s teeth is also considered as bad manners, which may also explain why most Japanese don’t smile with their teeth while taking pictures. Another reason why Japanese may cover their mouths while laughing is because they feel embarrassed or are trying to hide poor teeth alignment. Although in anime, not all characters cover their mouths, but now you know the backstory behind it. In America, one can find most individuals laughing without restriction. Individuals interviewed saw this gesture as laughing with their explanation laying behind cartoons which have shown characters laughing behind their hand or as a symbol for silence.   

5. Nattoku (なっとく)- I agree

In Japan, when someone is agreeing with you, they may hit the palm of one hand with a closed fist. This can be interpreted as a sign of wanting to fight in America, but it means quite the opposite in Japan. Someone from America can interpret this as a fight sign because of the shown fist, the strike to the hand and the resemblance to rock from the game rock-paper-scissors. Out of all of the individuals interviewed none of them were able to interpret this gesture correctly.   

6. Okanmuri (おかんむり)-Just Hopping Mad

In Japan, pointing both pointer fingers on the side of your head like horns is a gesture signifying that another person may be angry. In most cases, the husband has made his wife angry. This gesture is only used when referring to someone else, you would not use this to identify that you yourself is angry. When shown to the interviewed individuals they referred to it as a sign of the devil, demon, or animal with horns; the actual symbolism stems from an ogre. So the assumptions were close to saying it was referring to a creature but the meaning of anger was lost in translation.   

7. Nagutte yaroh ka? (なぐってやろうか？)- You want me to punch you?

In Japan, shaking your fist at an opponent or blowing on your fist is considered a friendly gesture. While it looks like the person wants to fight you, they don’t actually. In America, this gesture can also be seen as a joking gesture. In anime, it appears that the madder a person gets the more white their eyes are displayed also as a more simplistic shape.  

8. Busu (ぶす)-Ugly

In Japan, an upturned nose is considered as an ugly feature. It is thought that in Japan the pig is a symbol of ugly and dirty things, hence why indication of a pig nose refers to ugliness. Pigs are also considered as ugly and fat in America, where being referred to as a pig is an insult. In Japan, when making fun of a fat person one can say “buta-yaro” (you fat jerk) or “buta” (pig), likewise in America you can call them a “pig, porker, or fatso”.  

9. Okama (おかま)-Gay

In Japan, if you a gesture to whisper to someone but do not say anything this implies a gesture for gay. If an individual makes this sign but starts whispering then this just signifies someone is just talking about someone behind their back. Of the interviewees, the responses centered mainly upon whispering. 

10. Dogeza (どげざ)

In Japan, Dogeza is a kneeling pose where the person kneeling also bows their head to the floor. This gesture is a sign of deep apology toward someone you have angered or is done when one is making a very serious request. This is a gesture of deep respect or gravest apology, symbolizing humility and subservience. To an American, that gesture may look like someone is praying.

11. Okane (おかね)-Money

In Japan, the western sign for “ok” by making a circle with your thumb and index finger and turning it horizontally, means money. An American would interpret this as still ok because of its resemblance to the normal straight up ok sign. Fun fact: if this gesture is made in a drugstore is means condom regardless of its held direction. 

12. Gomen/Onegai (ごめん/おねがい)- Sorry/Please

In Japan, placing both hands together is a sign of politeness. While in America, this gesture most often is a sign for praying. This is also seen as a hand sign for praying in Japan but it also carries a form of an everyday response. You will see a lot of anime characters doing this gesture performed around or above face height.

13. Kawaii (かわいい)- Aren’t I cute?

In Japan, lightly touching one’s cheeks with both index fingers imposes a sign of cuteness. This gesture can also be done with just one hand. This pose is heavily prevalent within anime with characters that are trying to seem cute; more frequent with younger girls. The responses from the American interviewees consisted of happiness and confusion from not knowing how to interpret this gesture. The only reason one guessed happiness was due to the added smile.    

14. Akkanbaaay (あっかべー)- Na-nana-na-na

In Japan, pulling down the lower lid of one eye with the index finger and sticking out the tongue at the same time translates to “Ugh, I’ve had it” or “I don’t like you”. In America, this gesture is equivalent to “na-nana-na-na”. Of the individuals that were interviewed some saw this as a sign of teasing.  

15. Shita wo dasu (したをさす)- I goofed

In Japan, a girl may stick out her tongue jokingly in order to convey that she has made a small blunder, mistake or slip-up. This can be roughly translated as “uh-oh” in America. Some individuals I interviewed saw this as teasing or trying to be funny. 

16. Peesu (ペース)- Peace

The peace sign has an almost universal use and meaning. In Asian countries, this sign is used frequently as a go-to pose for pictures. It is also used in anime as such or when a character accomplishes something. 

17. Fukurettsura (ふくれっつら)-I’m Angry

In Japan, when a child wants to indicate anger or frustration they will puff out their cheeks. This gesture can also indicate dislike, not wanting to hear something, or when they want to complain about something. Of the individuals interviewed, they thought it meant that they were full (stuffed from eating) or angry. As this is classified as a childish gesture, the characters who display this are typically on the younger side.   

18. Can do

Raising the arm and flexing your muscle can be seen as “I got this” or “I can do it”. I believe this gesture in anime may have a connotation to the “We Can Do It” pose of Rosie the Riveter. In America, individuals see Rosie the Riveter and, “I’m strong” when someone strikes this pose. 

19. Embarrassed behind the head scratch

The behind the head scratch signifies an individual is embarrassed or feels awkward in the situation. This can be frequently seen in anime when a character does not know what to say, when they are put in a sticky situation, or when they feel embarrassed or awkward. In America, this can imply awkwardness and nervousness.  

20. Bari yaaah (バリアー)-  You can’t touch me

In Japan, one can cross their fingers in order to convey a sense of protection. The protection is seen as a barrier to block out dirty things or people who you don’t want to be contaminated by. This gesture in America, however, has the connotation of hope or luck. For an example, individuals cross their fingers when they are playing a game of chance such as the lottery, with thoughts including, “please let it be me”, “please pick my numbers”. You can find some characters in anime performing this gesture when they are entering a creepy forest or dimly lit location.    

Part 2: To identify particular anime poses and techniques that are heavily prevalent within Japanese anime and to look at how poses in anime have been adopted and reenacted in the real world.

1. The “Gainax Stance”

To perform the Gainax Stance the character stands with their arms folded. This was dubbed the Gainax Stance because of how frequent it appears in Gainax animation, first debuting in Gainax’s 1988 anime Gunbuster. This pose is not simply a crossed armed stance, it also conveys three other aspects; the atmosphere of the stately appearance, the character’s commanding look filled with pride and determination, and excess visual effects including wind, flames, smoke, water, light, etc.  

2. Shaft Angle

Know in Japanese as “Shafuto Kakudo” which translates to shaft angle. This character feature was frequently viewed in many studio Shaft productions. The tilting of the head in a similar angle became Shaft’s most iconic pose. The first appearance of this technique can be found in the 2009 anime Monogatari Series Bakemonogatari. Although many individuals recognize thid technique from Puella Magi Madoka Magica.

 

3. “Dezaki Direction Style”

The Dezaki Direction Style was named after Osamu Dezaki who was responsible for directing Ashita no Joe. His signature style that made him famous consisted of washed out frames with light streaming down. This portrayal was also known as “postcard memories”, not only utilizing light but turning animated images into still painted images to emphasize the melodramatic atmosphere.

4. “Yamada Mask and Hands”

Director Naoko Yamada is known for featuring characters in her directed animes shown covering their mouths with their hands and showing open hands. Some see Yamada Mask as a reference to medical masks, as in Japan medical masks are known as masks, where masks are known as kamens. To someone maybe from America, the open hands may seem like jazz hands. “In Japanese, this is now being called “Yamada paa” (山田パー), with “paa” referring to “open hands.” In Rock-paper-scissors, “paa” (パー) is the gesture for “paper” (Ashcraft, 2015).

5. “Sunrise Stance”

The “Sunrise Stance” is named after Sunrise animation studio, which is famous for the anime Mobile Suit Gundam. This has become one of anime’s most famous poses, found and copied throughout many various anime. The pose consists of taking an object or sword in a fighting stance with the object or weapon appearing to protrude out of the screen. The first appearance of this pose was found in the 1990s series Brave Series.

While many anime gestures and poses are adapted from real life Japanese gestures, there are some anime poses that were created for particular animes that have been adapted into the real world. Two examples can include one of Sailor Moon’s go-to poses and the Yugioh duelist stance. Other insistences where anime poses and gestures can be brought to the real world include cosplay. Cosplay is where individuals dress, act, and portray particular anime characters.        

             In conclusion, animated gestures and poses may have their original conceptions generated from real-life cultural gestures. These gestures that stem from a different cultural background may be misinterpreted for another gesture similar to another culture. This misinterpretation may then lead to misleading assumptions without the context of the original culture where it is depicted. There are however some gesture that are found to be quite similar or universal. Additionally, there are a few gestures and poses that are unique to anime. Some of these poses and gestures have come to life in what is known as cosplaying and can be just reenacted as stances. So some gestures and poses may hold more or different meanings, to which individuals can misinterpret, so it is important to know where the original concept came from.     

Works Cited

Abdullah, A. (2004). 70 Japanese Gestures. Tokyo: IBC Publishing . Retrieved from Scribd.

Ashcraft, B. (2015, June 5). Some of Anime's Most Famous Poses and Techniques. Retrieved from Kotaku: http://kotaku.com/some-of-animes-most-famous-poses-and-techniques-1709259375 

Bendazzi, G. (2016). Animation: A World History: Volume III: Contemporary Times. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

Google. (n.d.). Google Images. Retrieved from Google: https://images.google.com/

Hoang, V. (2014, January 30). Japanese Body Language and Gestures. Retrieved from Tofugu: https://www.tofugu.com/japan/japanese-body-language/ 

Kincaid, C. (2012, March 12). Japanese Gestures. Retrieved from Japan Powered: http://www.japanpowered.com/japan-culture/japanese-gestures

kojinaoya. (2015, July 20). What does "Yamada Mask" really mean? Retrieved from JapanAnimeMedia: http://studiodomo.jp/wordpress/what-does-yamada-mask-really-mean/ 

Marina. (2014, December 24). Japanese Gestures. Retrieved from Anime Amino: http://aminomail.com/page/anime/9336537/japanese-gestures

mona_jpn. (2014). Gainax Pose. Retrieved from Know Your Meme: http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/gainax-pose

mona_jpn. (2014). Shaft Head Tilt. Retrieved from Know Your Meme: http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/shaft-head-tilt