If you have ever lived in Japan—and are of dating age—then you have likely been asked what your blood-type is. This may sound strange to most foreigners, but it is actually a very common way for Japanese people to determine whether you would be compatible with each other.

In Japan, a person’s ABO blood type or “ketsueki-gata” (血液型) is believed by many to be predictive of personality, temperament, and general compatibility with others. Think of it the same way as most countries use Astrological signs.

So what are the different blood types and their “meaning”?

Type A—The Farmer

People with blood type A have a deep-rooted strength that helps them stay calm in a crisis when everyone else is panicking. However, they tend to avoid confrontation, and feel very uncomfortable around people. A types are shy and sometimes withdrawn. They seek harmony and are very polite, but all the same feel that they never really fit in with others. A types are very responsible. If there is a job to be done, they prefer to take care of it themselves. These people crave success and are perfectionists. They are also very creative, and the most artistic of all the blood types, most likely because of their sensitivity.

People with blood type A are also likely to be considered classic “type A’s”: stressed and conscientious.

FYI—I’m Type A…of course I am, haha.

Type B-The Hunter

People with blood type B are the most practical of the blood groups. They are specialists in what they do. When they start a project, they spend extra time understanding and trying to follow directions than others might. When they are doing something, all of their attention is focused on it. They tend to stick to a goal and follow it through to the end, even if it seems impossible. They tend to be less than cooperative, as they like to follow their own rules and their own ideas. They are individualists. B type people pay attention to their thoughts a little more than their feelings, and therefore can sometimes seem cold and serious.

People with blood type B are often considered more relaxed, freewheeling, and unconventional than other types, although not necessarily to an unacceptable degree. In anime, the genki, off-the-wall types are type B, along with any kind of well-intended character who’s ruled by their impulses.

Type O—The Warrior

People with blood type O people are outgoing, energetic and social. They are the most flexible of the blood types. They easily start up projects but often have trouble following through because they give up easily. They are flighty and not too dependable. O types always say what’s on their mind. They value the opinion of others and like to be the center of attention. Also, people with O blood are extremely self-confident.

Type AB—The Humanist

People with blood type AB are hard to categorize. They can have characteristics on both ends of the spectrum at the same time. For instance, they are both shy and outgoing. They easily switch from one opposite to another. AB people are trustworthy and responsible, but can’t handle it when too much is asked of them. They don’t mind doing favors or helping out, as long as its on their own conditions. People with this blood type are interested in art and metaphysics.

AB is considered the worst blood type. They also like to set their own conditions and reserve the right to drop out when things don’t meet their expectations. They’re known to be sensitive and considerate—at times—but it just isn’t enough to balance out the flaws in this blood type.

AB blood types can still be discriminated by people and companies in Japan, which is probably one of the downsides of the blood type craze—I don’t think I’ve heard of anyone being discriminated against for being a certain Astrological sign.

Big Business

Many people have created businesses that capitalize on the focus on blood types, selling books, baths, food, drinks, clothes, and even condoms that are focused on blood type!

And if you are an anime or manga fan, then you will also find the blood type of your favorite anime characters on their story bios. Here are a few big ones:

Kurosaki Ichigo–Type A

Uzumaki Naruto and Jiraiya–Type B

Uchiha Sasuke–Type AB

Sailor Moon–Type O

I think it’s an interesting way of determining a person’s personality, though I hope people stop discriminating against those poor AB blood types. So what is your blood type? Let us know in the comments below!

Thanks for stopping-by JapanSauce.Net!

–Sal