I want to introduce some interesting gestures used in several countries.
For example, the OK sign (formed by circling the index finger and the
thumb) and the Good luck sign (formed by closing the fist with the thumb
pointed up) may have positive meanings in the U.S., but are considered
obscene in some South American countries. In Japan, the OK sign, with
circled fingers facing to the outside, means money.
Another example is the gesture for Come Here, or the beckoning sign,
which differs across the cultures. To beckon someone with the palm up
is common in the United States, but is considered rude in some Asian
countries, where the gesture would indicate calling an animal.
I think it is very interesting the same gestures have the different
meanings depending on the region.
By the way, I think gyoutenya in Machida is good ramen shop,
Taichiro.
