The Secret Handshake: Exploring Sign Language in Japanese

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed to communicate but words just weren’t cutting it? Maybe you were trying to order food in a foreign country by wildly pointing at a menu, or perhaps you were in a silent stare-down with a cat, hoping it would just understand that you wanted it to stop knocking things over. (Spoiler: It didn’t.)

Now, imagine living in Japan and relying on Japanese Sign Language (JSL) to communicate. That’s right—Japan has its very own sign language, and it’s just as rich, expressive, and fascinating as spoken Japanese! But here’s where it gets really interesting: JSL is not just a signed version of spoken Japanese. Nope. It has its own grammar, structure, and even regional dialects. Yep, sign language dialects are a thing. But more on that later—read on to find out how signing works in Japan and how it differs from other forms of sign language around the world!

Wait, Japan Has Its Own Sign Language?

Yes! And believe it or not, it’s quite different from American Sign Language (ASL) or British Sign Language (BSL). Some people assume that all sign languages are just universal hand-waving systems that everyone understands. Oh, how adorable that thought is. In reality, sign languages develop naturally within their own cultures, just like spoken languages.

Here’s the kicker: If you know ASL, you won’t automatically understand JSL. They’re about as similar as English and Mandarin. (Which is to say: not at all.)

Key Differences Between JSL and ASL

Finger-spelling? Meh. While ASL leans heavily on finger-spelling (using the alphabet to spell out words), JSL relies much more on actual signs. If ASL is like texting full sentences, JSL is like sending emojis with dramatic flair.
Facial expressions matter—big time. Japanese culture is known for being reserved, but JSL? Not so much. In JSL, facial expressions are crucial for conveying emotions and grammatical nuances. A simple eyebrow raise can change the meaning of an entire sentence.
Hand positioning and movement are unique. While ASL tends to use more one-handed signs, JSL often requires both hands and can involve unique wrist movements that aren’t commonly found in other sign languages.

Is JSL Just a Signed Version of Spoken Japanese?

Nope! JSL has its own grammar and structure, separate from spoken Japanese. This means that even native Japanese speakers who can hear perfectly well might struggle to understand JSL if they’ve never learned it.

To give you a taste of how different they are:

Spoken Japanese: 私は昨日、映画を見ました。(Watashi wa kinou, eiga wo mimashita.) – “I watched a movie yesterday.”
JSL equivalent: Movie + Yesterday + Watch + Finish (with corresponding signs and expressions)

JSL skips unnecessary bits like pronouns and focuses on the core idea. Kind of like how we all text these days: “Saw movie yesterday. Was epic.” (Efficiency, baby!)

Sign Language Dialects?! Yep, That’s a Thing

Just like Japan has regional dialects for spoken Japanese (Osaka-ben, anyone?), JSL also has regional variations. A sign used in Tokyo might be totally different in Kyoto or Hokkaido. Imagine learning the sign for “thank you” in one part of Japan, only to travel a few hours away and get confused looks because they use a completely different gesture.

And if that weren’t enough, there are even generational differences. Older signers and younger signers often use different signs for the same words. It’s like when your grandma still calls the TV remote a “clicker” while Gen Z is out here controlling their entire house with voice commands.

Cool (and Hilarious) Things About JSL

Here are some fun and unexpected things about Japanese Sign Language:

1. Name Signs Are a Big Deal

In JSL, you don’t just spell out your name letter by letter every time you introduce yourself. Instead, you get a personalized name sign based on something unique about you—your appearance, personality, or even a habit. Imagine being introduced as “Person-Who-Always-Loses-Their-Keys.” That’s the kind of energy we’re talking about here.

2. JSL Uses Both Hands A Lot

If you’re used to ASL, where one-handed signing is common, switching to JSL can feel like trying to play Twister with your fingers. But hey, at least you’ll get an arm workout while learning!

3. Some Signs Are Straight-Up Hilarious

Japanese culture has a playful side, and that extends to JSL. Some signs are incredibly literal and amusing. For example:

The sign for “octopus”? Just wiggle your fingers like tentacles.
The sign for “crying”? Two fingers dripping down from your eyes, like exaggerated anime tears.
The sign for “money”? A dramatic, finger-rubbing motion that screams ‘I’m broke.’

So… Should You Learn JSL?

Absolutely! Even if you’re not planning to become fluent, knowing some JSL can be a game-changer, whether you live in Japan, travel there, or just want to impress your friends with cool linguistic knowledge. Plus, sign language is great for secret conversations in public. (Pro tip: Just make sure your “secret” convo isn’t actually offensive JSL that someone nearby understands.)

Where to Start?

Watch YouTube tutorials from native JSL users.
Learn basic greetings and useful signs.
Practice with a friend (or a mirror, if you have no friends—no judgment).

Final Thoughts: A Silent But Powerful Language

Japanese Sign Language is an amazing, deeply expressive form of communication that deserves more recognition. Whether you’re learning out of curiosity, necessity, or just because you want to know how to sign “cat” (it’s adorable, trust me), dipping your toes into JSL is totally worth it.

And who knows? Maybe next time you lock eyes with that mischievous cat, you’ll have a sign that actually gets the message across.

Want to learn more quirky language facts? Stick around—there’s plenty more where this came from!