As if there weren’t enough theories and concepts regarding different personality types, the Japanese came up with a new personality type concept of their own – blood type personality system. But wait, this isn’t exactly a new thing!
Blood group system as we know it was developed by an Austrian scientist in 1900, and already in 1927 Takeji Furukawa, a professor at Tokyo Women’s Teacher’s School, suggested personality types and blood groups must be related. He has backed it with his own observations, and the theory quickly spread in Japan and beyond. While it wasn’t a big hit in the Western world, it is taken very seriously in Japan, South Korea and some other Asian countries. In fact, there were cases of discrimination based on blood group in workplace and schools. The Japanese even have a special term for this type of discrimination – bura hara, or blood type harassment.
Facebook and many other social media sites in Asia allow you to add or edit your blood type, which, supposedly, helps others to learn more about you. Here is the proof:
So what exactly blood type personality model is? It’s a theory that suggests that one’s ABO blood type can predict their
- temperament,
- character traits,
- behaviors,
- compatibility with other blood group types,
- suitability for certain career types, or lack thereof.
Although it’s generally treated as pseudoscience, a study conducted by a group of scientists from Hirosaki and Kumamoto universities concluded that there is a significant association between ABO blood group genotype and personality traits in a large number of healthy Japanese subjects. However, the study cautions, these results should be regarded as preliminary and interpreted with caution [source].
According to a 2010 study as many as 74.8 percent of the Japanese between ages of 20 and 49 believe in blood type personality theory.
Well, does it at least work? You judge. Here is what this theory is saying…
Blood Type A Personality Type
Kind and compassionate individuals who put others’ interests and needs before their own. While they may seem calm on the outside, they often suffer from inner turmoil and anxiety.
People with blood type A personality are excellent listeners and make good friends. Although they get along with others quite well, it is often achieved at expense of their own balance and happiness. To be liked by others they bottle up their emotions, which takes its toll on their nervous system. It is beneficial for them to take time alone and rest well.
The best jobs for this personality type are jobs that don’t require much contact with other people like programmers, accountants, writers or librarians.
What about love? They are most compatible with their own type or AB type.
Blood Type Personality B
Outgoing and friendly, this type is a people person. Unlike the type A, the type B doesn’t do that at expense of their own feelings and well-being; it comes to them naturally, without any effort. Contact with people doesn’t wear them off and they will do great as leaders or at any type of job that requires dealing with people.
The type B is highly adjustable; they can feel people. They are into body language and other methods of deciphering others. People with the blood type B personality type rely on their intuition and trust themselves.
Once again, they are most compatible with their own personality type and AB. Talking about discrimination, Korean women consider men with the blood type B personality not suitable for marriage due to their playful and flirty disposition.
Blood Type AB Personality
Freedom-loving AB’s are strong and rational people. They don’t worry about little things and usually can assess their life challenges without emotions getting in the way. Despite their love for freedom and independent thinking, they don’t have any issues when it comes to relationships and are quite popular.
Blood Type O Personality Type
This type is described as responsible, practical, rule-conscious and organized. They make excellent leaders and their determination helps them achieve their goals. While they are usually liked by other people, they are somewhat loners and need a lot of time alone.
Typically, the type O is physically strong and can find success in sports.
In love they are most happy with their own type or the AB type (seems like the AB type is really lucky in love).
If this sounds confusing, you aren’t alone. Fortunately, there is a good alternative. You can dismiss blood groups personality theory altogether and use the 16 personalities model, The Four Temperaments model or these psychological tests to learn more about yourself.
If you are interested in personality types in Asia, you will like this:
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Updated on September 10, 2018