Can Blood Type Possibly
Determine Your Personality?
In Japan, blood type is used to determine ones personality
and temperament. Like astrology, the scientific community often
dismisses blood type as an indicator of personality, but that
doesnt stop its popularity in Japanese womens magazines,
where blood type horoscopes are published.
In Japanese video games, blood type is commonly a dimension
in character creation. In fact, some Japanese might even be
shocked if a foreigner didnt know her blood type.
The history of the theory that blood type determines personality
is actually a dark one. In 1900, Austrian scientist Karl Landsteiner
discovered the four blood types. Like 19th-century scientists
who used brain size (the larger the brain, the more advanced)
to propagate theories of racial and gender superiority, many
(white) scientists used the blood type theory as a way to push
forward their own ideas of racial supremacy. Scientists from
the west suggested (falsely, obviously) that Asians were inferior
and sub-human since the vast majority of themlike animalshad
type B blood. In 1927, Takeji Furukawa, a Japanese professor,
introduced the theory to the Japanese public in a paper entitled,
The Study of Temperament Through Blood Type. Even
though he lacked the proper credentials and backed up nothing
scientifically, the public embraced the idea of blood type as
a determination of personality. The Japanese government even
commissioned a study to determine if they could breed better
soldiers. In the 1970s, a book by Masahiko Nomi revived the
idea, which is still popular with the general Japanese public.
In 2008, four books on the topic have hit Japans top ten
Find Out Your Blood Type
One of the easiest ways to find out your blood type is to give
blood. Since it has to be matched for donation, they type it
anyway, so you can always ask. If youre pregnant, doctors
administer certain blood tests to assess potential genetic problems,
so determining the mothers blood type is standard. You
can ask your doctor to perform a test when you get blood drawn,
but since it isnt usually medically relevant, you may
have to pay for the test. The easiest way? Ask your parents;
they probably know.
What Your Blood Type Says About Your
You are the social butterflies. Often popular and self-confident,
you are very creative and always seem to be the center of attention.
You make a good impression on people and youre often quite
attractive. Organized and determined, your stubbornness will
help you reach your goals. You make good leaders. Lovewise,
O is most compatible with O and AB. Common career choices: banker,
politician, gambler, minister, investment broker, and pro athlete.
Type As may seem calm on the outside, but inside, youre
filled with anxiety and worry. Youre perfectionists and
often shy and sensitive. Usually introverted, youre stable
and thoughtful. You make good listeners and are sensitive to
color and your surroundings. You like to be fashionable and
are up on the latest trends, but never flashy or gaudy. You
like romantic settings and often shun reality for fantasy worlds.
A is most compatible with A and AB in the love department. Common
career choices: accountant, librarian, economist, writer, computer
programmer, and gossip columnist.
You can be very goal-oriented and often complete the ambitious
tasks set before you. Outgoing and very charming, youre
good at reading people and providing support. Though critical
of appearance (but not your own), you arent picky and
are unlikely to dwell over the little things. Type Bs are impulsive
individualists who often create their own path in life. You
are very strong and optimistic. B is most compatible with B
and AB lovers. Common career choices: cook, hairdresser, military
leader, talk show host, and journalist.
Not surprisingly, ABs can be quite dualistic, possessing both
A and B traits. You may be shy and outgoing, and hesitant and
confident. You often stand out from others, dont like
labels, and are nice and easy going. You are logical and determined
to do things correctly. Usually trustworthy, you like to help
others. You often speak in a serious manner. Your patience,
concentration, and intelligence are admirable. AB can find a
soul mate with any other blood type. Common career choices:
bartender, lawyer, teacher, sales representative, and social
We all love to know things about ourselves and blood type is
just another fun way to learn new traits and understand why
we do certain things. You dont have to believe in it to
get something out of itjust have fun with it and take
it with a grain of salt.