the sign

Y'know that 'V' sign anime characters couldn't resist but use whenever there's a photo-op(portunity) or to show-off? Do you know why they make the V-sign with their fingers? Is it a peace sign, or is it a victory sign? What do you think? Or what about, what do the average Ai- & Aki- Japanese think? Well, let's go to the Pop Vox for the tally:
http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=popvox&id=358& display=all

So, why DO Japanese make the V-sign when they pose for a photo? Is Shuhei wise beyond his years, or is just full of it? And as always, the forum responses are where the meat is. ^_^

Laters. =)

Stan

Because making the peace sign is and always has been cool in Japan. It was cool when I lived there in the 80's and it still is.

Could be either. See Yurika (in this context it's just a generic goofy sign); see also Vash (LOVE AND PEACE!).

- 5parrow

For anime, it may depend slightly on the situation. But for the most part, if they still do assign any meaning at all to it these days, it's 'V, for victory.'

It's gotten to a point where most people don't even think about it... It's almost like it's automatic. When you take a picture, they're used to doing the 'V' sign. It's kind of like saying 'cheese' during a picture, without the effect of making them show off their teeth.

You'll find it more common among youngsters than older folks, though. The 'V' sign shows youthful exuberance, but lacks a certain dignity.

And in some cultures, it's the equivalent of flipping the bird.

Kherubim>And in some cultures, it's the equivalent of flipping the bird.

Not quite. The 'V' with the palm facing outwards is the WWII 'V for Victory', the hippie 'Peace', and the Japanese 'Cheese!' The 'V' with the back of the hand facing outwards is the British 'sod off'.

S>http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=popvox&id=358& display=all

If that's an article about why all Japanese 'make the V-sign when they pose for a photo', why isn't a single one of them on that page doing it??

Why do we give a thumbs-up? Why do we say 'CHEESE' when we pose for a photo? Where did the custom of 'rabbit-ears' come from?

WHO BLOODY CARES? We just do it, they just do it, everybody just does it, it's just a silly thing.

I thought it was the 'secret handshake' symbol for the Gate Keepers...

Arthur>The 'V' with the back of the hand facing outwards is the British Arthur>'sod off'.

D-Chance>I thought it was the 'secret handshake' symbol for the Gate D-Chance>Keepers...

The 'secret handshake' in Gate Keepers is sodomy? Does Catherine know about this??

When I lived in Japan, it was explained to me as being like a 'thumbs up' deal