The theory of blood type holds a lot of significance in Japanese culture. The idea that people with different blood types have different personalities, traits and behavioral tendencies has been popularized within Japan for decades. The way in which these differences are explained has changed over time as the country’s understanding of genetics has improved; however, the belief is still widespread throughout society. This blog post will explore how blood type came to be connected with personality and behavior.

Discovery of Blood Groups and Its Impact on Society

Karl Landsteiner discovered blood groups back in 1901. He wanted to know why some blood transfusions failed and some were successful. His research ended up in the discovery of main blood groups ABO. There are different theories on the evolution of blood groups. No matter how these different blood groups evolved, the discovery is responsible for saving millions if not billions of life. 

History of Blood Type Personality Theory in Japan

Since 1901, thousands of other studies have been conducted on blood groups and a lot of new information has been gathered. However none of the authentic scientific studies out there show a link between blood type and personality. There may be small groups of people all over the world who think that there is a strong connection between the blood groups and personality type however the belief is widely spread in Japan. A large percentage of the population still believe that the blood type can actually affect a person’s personality. It is so wide spread in the Japanese culture that it is used in normal conversation; for example if someone exhibits a specific trait then people tell that person “Oh! You are such a type A person”

There had been a lot of research going on this respective matter since the discovery of blood groups however it was in 1927 when Takeji Furukawa published a paper titled “The Study of Temperament through Blood Type”. His paper quickly popularized the blood type personality theory in Japan. Since then many other people in Japan have also conducted their own research on the matter. Most of these popular studies are conducted by researchers that lack credentials in the respective field. 

What Does a Person’s Blood Type Say about Their Personality? 

The Blood Type Personality Theory has evolved over time. It first gain popularity in Japan in the 1930s however the popularity started to fade away after a few years and gained prominence again in the 1970s. With each passing year new concepts are added to the theory. What might have been considered a trait for blood type A in 1930 may not be considered the same in 1970. However there are some traits that researchers say are common in people with the same blood group. Let’s take a look at how each blood group is linked to a person’s personality. 

Blood Type O

The blood type O is the rarest blood type in the world. This means that if you are a blood type O in Japan, you not only have a rare blood group but you also have a very unique personality. People with this blood type are usually extroverted, assertive, generous, imaginative and decisive. They also tend to be more sensitive than other people. In Japan, people with blood type O are considered natural leaders. The fact that most of Japan’s prime ministers had blood type O cements the blood type personality theory in the minds of the Japanese citizens.

These people have a naturally strong sense of independence that many people have to work hard to acquire on their own. They also see themselves as being outside of the norm so this may be why they would rather take charge than let someone else do it for them. It’s not uncommon for these individuals to desire power and authority in order to escape from feelings of insignificance or inadequacy.

This could make them seem stubborn when it comes to their own ideas and beliefs because they won’t back down until those opinions are proven wrong in their minds. They frequently believe that what’s most important isn’t always what everyone else sees as being right which can lead to some conflicts but luckily these people are diplomatic and they can get along with everyone and resolve the conflicts in a smooth way.

Blood Type B

Blood type B is a blood type that’s found in about 10% of the population.  People with blood type B are honest and easy going. They have a lot of creativity and they’re very detail oriented. People with this blood type also tend to be more outgoing than other blood types.  Type Bs do not seem to have the same worries as other blood types and they’re able to be more laid back. They are sometimes considered self-centered because they are not afraid to speak their mind. 

Type Bs don’t seem to struggle with self-control like some others might do which means that they’re not afraid to speak their mind or tell you what they really think in a conversation instead of holding back for fear it will upset someone else. The thing that makes them selfish may also make them great friends if you’ve got similar interests.  If your friend has been giving too much advice lately, it might be because they have Type B blood.

Type B blood groups have a lot of positive traits as well however their negative traits overshadow their positive ones. They are also sometimes considered erratic and uncooperative. Even though people with blood type B are pragmatists their negative traits can cause problems in some work environments.

Blood Type A

Blood type A is the most common blood type in the world. People with Blood Type A have some unique qualities that make them stand out from the other blood groups.  They are well organized and are very focused on getting things done right the first time around. They can be rather stubborn. When they make up their mind about something, it is hard to change that opinion. Blood Type A people are typically not as flexible in regards to changing the way things go or what they believe in. This also means that Blood Type As will seldom if ever back down from a conflict.

Blood Type A people are loyal and faithful too, which is also one of their most admired qualities according to studies. They do not easily give up on relationships or friendships if they have made a strong commitment either for themselves or others. This means that they will support those close to them through thick and thin and will not abandon them easily.

The loyalty that Blood Type As are known for also extends to their work ethic too. They will take responsibility if something goes wrong in the workplace – they always try to be the first one there and last person out and they have a strong dedication to whatever tasks need doing, no matter how big or small. 

People with blood type A are care takers who both give much more than what is required of themselves as well as believing wholeheartedly in others’ best qualities when it comes down to relationships, friendships, careers etc. That can sometimes lead them into being taken advantage of though so caution needs to be exercised at times because some individuals might see Blood Type A as weak targets. 

They are known to be sensitive and have fragile hearts. They also need to be more aware of their feelings and how they express them, as they might take everything too seriously which can lead to emotional instability. It is important for these individuals to make sure they spend time alone because it will foster self-reflection which in turn leads to a certain level of understanding about themselves – one thing that Blood Type As generally have trouble with due to their stubbornness and unwillingness (or inability) to change opinions once already established. 

Blood Type AB

There are very few people in Japan who belong to the AB blood group. The Blood Type AB is a rare blood type which means that people with blood type AB have a unique personality. In fact these people are considered to have the most unique personalities. Their personality is a mixture of two blood types which makes them complicated. They are also known as dual natured because they can have qualities that are on two different ends of the spectrum. Blood Type A people are well organized and precise whereas Blood Type B people are more free spirited. This means that people with Blood Type AB will have some aspects of both personalities. They have such a complicated personality that sometimes they are considered geniuses while other times they can be labelled as eccentric. While the AB blood type personality has qualities from both Blood Type A and B, it often leans more towards one than the other. 

They are usually very caring and compassionate individuals who often put others before themselves. However, they can also be very indecisive at times and struggle to know what they want in life.  Even though they have complicated personality, then tend to be rational and calm when making decisions.

These people are usually great at challenges where things can’t go as planned because they’re used to adapting quickly. Due to the conflicting personalities they are also sometimes labelled as moody. So it is very important to be calm and patient around people who belong to the AB blood group.

They can often feel alone at times and even though there is always someone out there for everyone- the person with Blood Type AB might sometimes struggle more than most in finding that one person who has all the same similar interests as they do or understands them completely. 

The Blood Type Personality Theory has had a very strong impact on the Japanese culture. It isn’t just limited to defining a person’s personality but it also has a very strong impact on their day to day lives. In Japan, the Blood Type Personality Theory is so wide spread and accepted that people tend to choose partners based on the blood group. They try to base their compatibility level with their partner or spouse based on the type of blood group both of them have. A marriage consultancy company in Japan conducted a study on successful blood type marriages in the country and they got the following results. 

• O Male and O Female
• O Male and A Female

• A Male and A Female
• O Male and B Female

Based on the research conducted by the marriage consultancy company, the above mentioned pairings make the most successful marriages. Studies like this have a huge impact on the lives of people who believe in Blood Type Personality theory. There are many dating apps and websites in Japan that are based around this concept. These blood type dating services help people find an ideal partner for themselves. You would also find Japanese people mention their blood groups in their profiles on other dating apps like Tinder.

Blood Harassment: Burahara 

When a concept is so widely accepted in a region, then it is bound to cause some changes in society. Racism, gender biasness and religion biasness are some of the common problems that countries all over the world face. However in Japan, there is a unique form of harassment i.e. blood harassment which is also known as Burahara. Even though all blood groups have their strengths and weaknesses, the blood type B is considered to be selfish and self-centered. We have already discussed that people with blood type B tend to speak their mind and this is why people usually perceive them to be self-centered. However that is not the case but this does not stop other people from bullying them. Minorities are usually bullied all over the world, and Blood type B isn’t just known for its negative traits, it is also a minority group which makes things worse for them. 

There are over 9 billion people on the planet and each one of us is unique in our ways. So even if you believe in the Blood Type Personality Theory, you should try your best to focus on the positive in all people and you should try to refrain from bullying anyone based on any of their qualities not just their blood type. 

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