We were very curious as to why younger Japanese people would flash the V sign that we in America consider either Victory as in Winston Churchill or V for Peace. I guess a lot of other people wondered too. I posed the question in Wikipedia and here's an explanation that sounded plausible.
"Japan and the V sign in Photographs
During the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo, figure skater Janet Lynn stumbled into Japanese pop culture when she fell during a free-skate period—but continued to smile even as she sat on the ice. Though she placed only third in the actual competition, her cheerful diligence and indefatigability resonated with many Japanese viewers, making her an overnight celebrity in Japan. Afterwards, Lynn (a peace activist) was repeatedly seen flashing the V sign in the Japanese media. Though the V sign was known of in Japan prior to Lynn's use of it there (from the post-WWII Allied occupation of Japan), she is credited by some Japanese for having popularized its use in amateur photographs.[23] According to the other theory (actually present in the Japanese version of this entry), the V sign was popularized by the actor and singer Jun Inoue, who showed it in the Conica photo camera commercial in 1972."
So now I know and now you know, too.
How interesting is that. My Dad spent a lot of time in Japan - he was in the World Balloon Championships. He loved the country. He bought me lots of origami back - I still carry one of the little birds in my wallet. so precious to me. Thanks for the post. What a great idea posing the question in Wikipedia.
ReplyDeletefun info. each culture has its own body language.
ReplyDeleteNeat history!
ReplyDeleteGood information. I just thought it was the old hippie "Peace" sign.
ReplyDeleteWell at first I thought the girl was making horns on her friend. hehe Just kidding. Thanks for your research, Teacher Kay. V to you.
ReplyDeleteGreat photo. I like the man in it too.
Thank You for this fun explain...
ReplyDeleteBut I think the "Love" for the "hippies"...
The Chinese also flash the "V" sign when they're photographed. It's almost impossible to take a photo in China, in fact, without someone adding a "V" to the photo. I wonder if the Chinese adopted this habit from the Japanese? It's a fun and harmless gesture, regardless.
ReplyDeleteI always thought it was a peace sign...and the world could sure use some peace.
ReplyDeleteI am glad I know now, because I often wondered why the Japanese used the V sign when some relative took a photo of the whole family.
ReplyDeleteAt least it is a finger sign with good intent...
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