The Japanese O gesture, also known as “maru” is a hand gesture that is commonly used in Japan to indicate that something is correct, good, or satisfactory. It is made by forming a circle with your arms or hands. The X gesture, also known as the “batsu” gesture, is a hand gesture that is commonly used in Japan to indicate that something is incorrect, wrong, or not good. It is made by crossing the arms in front of the body and forming an “X” or by crossing the index fingers.
The origin of the maru and “batsu” gestures are not entirely clear. Maru is believed to represent a symbol of perfection, unity, and harmony, and the gesture is believed to have been used to signify a successful completion of a task or a successful outcome. Batsu is believed to have been used as a symbol of rejection or disapproval since ancient times. Today, the both gestures are commonly used in a variety of situations, such as during game shows, tests, or quizzes, where contestants are shown if their answers are correct or incorrect.
The batsu gesture can also be used in everyday situations, such as when a person disagrees with a statement or when something is not up to their standards. For example, if someone is offered food that they do not like, they may make the batsu gesture with their arms to decline the offer. If they like the food, they may make the maru gesture.
It is important to note that the maru and batsu gestures may have different meanings in different cultures. In some countries, such as the United States, making a circle with the fingers may indicate the symbol for “okay” or “alright.” Also in the United States, crossing the arms in front of the body may indicate a defensive or closed-off posture.
In conclusion, the Japanese maru and batsu gestures are widely recognized hand gestures that symbolize perfection, unity, and harmony. They are important parts of Japanese culture and are commonly used to indicate approval or agreements. It is important to be aware of cultural differences and try to use gestures appropriately in a variety of contexts.