Speaking Japanese make you move funny

[Taro Toporific]

[Steve Bildermann]

[Crispy]

Yeah, like me and everyone I know before we knew better thought the Japanese was indicating their nose was the subject of whatever they were saying.

I always thought the other way...why would cultures from around the world share gestures? For instance, why does a nod of the head mean yes and a shake mean no universally (or am I wrong?)

[Mulboyne]

"70 Japanese Gestures" by Hamiru-aqui, translated by Aileen Chang

Finally, a way to tell someone at a loud party, "Your underwear is showing," in four easy hand motions. This is a book for the serious student, the class clown, and the crazy guy at Akihabara Station hoping to communicate with Godzilla...Hamiru-aqui is a Japanese artist based in Tokyo. She received the 2001 London International Advertising Award. Aileen Chang is a 3rd-generation Chinese born and raised in Tokyo.