Stereo/Blood Typing

Just like horoscopes are sometimes used to determine the (somewhat generalized) characteristics of people in Western countries, blood types (血液型, ketsueki gata) are used in Japan. Anyone who’s been in Japan long enough, would have been asked what their blood type was (何型？　なにがた？ Nani gata?), then suddenly receive a seemingly knowing nod. Like you’re being type-casted…

A lot of credence is placed on the system of blood type casting. I read on Japan Visitor that some companies base certain employee department structuring on the different blood types, and baseball coaches plan their winning strategies taking into account different players’ strengths (of course based on blood types).

Studies have been made on the different blood types and their connection with personality and temperament, the (pseudo-?) science is called blood typology. Actually, the first study made was in as early as 1927. The science was then developed and further studied by a father-son team, Masahiko and Toshitaka Nomi. They came up with more theories that linked blood types to temperament, and they also researched how one’s blood type affects different areas of our lives, including relationships, work and chosen hobbies.

If you know what your blood type is and are curious as to what the results of the researches on blood typology are, read on.

According to Issendai of Issendai’s Lair:

Type A

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 A types are shy and sometimes withdrawn.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.

Type B

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.

Type O

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

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.

Interesting but a bit doubtful… I think. Especially since people always insist I have a different blood type.