You see it in Anime, J-Drama, movies, commercials and in many photos where Japanese folks are being photographed - the Peace Sign or V-sign.
I see many poking fun at the Japanese who find it uncool or strange that they should do such a gesture. But why do they do it and where does the V-sign come from?
According to the English Wikipedia, during the 1972 Winter Olympics in Japan, skater Janet Lynn (who was also a peace activist) was photographed by the Japanese media doing the V-sign. Although the V-sign was already recognized in Japan, it was apparently these photos of Lynn that popularized the use of the V-sign.
The Japanese entry in Wikipedia however does not mention Lynn at all and instead gives 2 theories of when the V-sign started to take off.
One theory says that the V-sign became popular after actor Jun Inoue decided to do the gesture in a Nikon commercial back in 1972.
Another theory talks about how the V-sign took off in the 80's when kids started to do the gesture when having their photos taken. Back then it was common to say "Peace" at the same time.
Whatever the origin, folks in Japan like to do the peace sign and I find it awesome when cute girls do it ^^;
Sources: English Wikipedia, Japanese Wikipedia.
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