Gestures in Japan

Video Transcript

(Note: This transcript has been edited for readability.)

"So generally 'one,' you know how we would use the index finger, I've seen they would start from the pinky and go up. So as far as 'three' being almost like this, 'four,' 'five' obviously. But then the interesting part was, instead of doing this, having it separate for 'six,' it would be right next to the palm. So 'six,' followed [with] 'seven,' 'eight,' 'nine,' of course, and then 'ten,' generally. So if I were to, across the room, let someone know [gesturing], 'hey, I need seven, seven bottles, I'm thirsty,' it would be more like this."

In this video, a service member demonstrates how Japanese people gesture numbers.