V sign - Peace sign (ピースサイン)
Japanese have the habit to make a V sign with their fingers whenever they are photographed. This sign is called the 'peace sign'. It seems this tradition dates back to the seventies but its origin is not clear. These are the most common explanations:
- During 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo, the American figure skater Janet Lynn, who was a peace activist, showed often the V sign. The 'peace sign' became then fashionable in the pop culture of the younger generations of Japan.
- The actor and singer Jun Inoue appeared in a 1972 Konica commercial making the V sign.
+ Pronouncing the word 'peace' helps people smile on photos (like 'cheese').
Schoolgirls posing with the peace sign
Two girls dressed in kimono and making the peace sign
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