Blood Types

Blood types take on a greater symbolic meaning in Japan than they do in any other country. Blood type is as important as the signs of the Zodiac are to Western audiences. (Although the Zodiac is extremely popular in Japan, too.) Sakagen explains the origin of this cultural phenomenon.

Japan . . . is traditionally a patriarchal society and places great importance on the generations of blood lines passed down by the father's ancestors, and sometimes this was considered when arranging marriages. Late in the 19th century, the method for blood typing was discovered, and later in 1916, theories based on scientific principles began being made about the effect of different blood types on personalities. Being of great interest to the Japanese, these postulations have undergone a series of booms, the latest inspired by the journalist Masahiko Nomi.

Nomi's first 'blood type' book became a best seller in 1971 after explaining 'Understanding emotional affinity by blood type.' ("Ketsueki de wakaru aisho"). After this initial success, his popularity continued, and Mori wrote over ten books about 'blood-type humanics' before he died in 1981. Mr Nomi's son, Toshitaka. is now the sponsor of the 'Institute of Blood Type Humanics' after having written over 65 books with his father, and has sold more than 6 million books in Japan . . . 75% of Japanese believe that there is a connection between blood type and personality type.

For researching information about what blood types actually mean, I relied on Castle in the Sky and Anime-Myth.com. However, the following information is re-written by me, and the commentary is all mine.

  Seiya Kou: Type A

Seiya is a type A. (Honest, loyal, introverted, or nervous.) Type A is the most common blood type in Japan. (Type O is the most common in the United States.) Type A are supposed to be cautious planners, who are studious, calm, and serious. They will not act before making a careful decision. But they can be hardheaded and stubborn, and tend to work relentlessly toward a goal once they choose one. They strive toward becoming an ideal person. They also tend to suppress emotion in order to appear strong, but because of this they mostly come off as cold or distant. They hide feelings of self-doubt, and usually suffer from a secret lack of confidence. They have good memories, are good at teamwork, and can be considerate and helpful when called upon to be. Type A people tend to prefer formalities and structures to guide them.

Commentary: This definitely sounds like it describes manga Seiya as opposed to anime Seiya (which makes sense, considering how Naoko Takeuchi was the one who originally created the blood type attributes for her characters). Seiya in the manga is a calm, serious individual who will not act without foresight or forethought - as opposed to anime Seiya, who is far more cheerful, spontaneous, and short-sighted. In her Materials Collection notes, Ms. Takeuchi describes Fighter as the "zealous hero type." This corresponds to the type A characteristic of always striving toward becoming the ideal of whatever type of person one wishes to become.

  Taiki Kou: Type AB

Taiki is a type AB. (Discriminating, proud, or diplomatic.) Type AB are delicate, sensitive individuals who are very considerate of other people's feelings. However, they can be very strict with themselves and those close to them. They tend to develop two personalities, one for dealing with "outsiders" and another for dealing with "insiders." They can become overly emotional when they think too deeply about things, although according to Nomi, they tend to be rather unemotional and coldly rational most of the rest of the time. AB tend to be critical, analytical thinkers. They often have original ideas, and are good artists. Although they are good socializers and have many friends, there are times when they like to be alone and think things through. However, AB are easily able to interact harmoniously with society. Their curious intellect does tend to get bored quickly, though.

Commentary: A "delicate, sensitive" individual is well-suited to become a poet. In the manga, Taiki is fairly comfortable socializing and making friends, especially in the school setting. In the anime, however, quite the opposite is the case - Taiki seems to be trying to avoid all human contact whatsoever. Anime Taiki exhibits a delicate balance between intense emotion (despair, guilt, loneliness, depression) and an intense avoidance of emotion (the frigid aloofness that both Taiki and Maker exhibit so well). Anyway, although I find anime Taiki to be far more interesting as a character specifically because of these characteristics, I do have to admit that manga Taiki is far more well-adjusted, and fits the description of a type AB person better.

  Yaten Kou: Type B

Yaten is a type B. (Adventurous, outgoing, dynamic, or optimistic.) Type B is supposed to be the opposite of type A. They are curious and fickle, easily excited, but equally as easily bored. They are always looking for something new and fun to capture their interest. Type B tend to excel at things, not just poke around at the normal average level of achievement. Outwardly, they are cheerful and happy, full of energy and enthusiasm. Inwardly, however, they hide feelings of loneliness. Many suspect that they seek to avoid any real meaningful contact with other people. Type B dislike restrictions and customs, and want to forge their own path in life. They tend to defy stereotypes. They are entertaining and sociable, and easy to please, although secretly rather self-conscious.

Commentary: Again, we've hit the nail on the head regarding manga Yaten, but anime Yaten is a slightly different story. Although this time, there are some common personality themes between the two - especially the fact that both are unconventional, complex characters who "defy stereotypes." When Yaten decides to succeed at something, she just plain does it the best, period. (Except maybe when it comes to schoolwork, but then again, Yaten seems to have made the conscious decision to not apply herself to her studies, so it all works out in the end.) Anyway, manga Yaten specifically is the cheerful, friendly airhead. Anime Yaten, on the other hand, is NOT. Anime Yaten is antisocial, cynical, rude, and arrogant. But weirdly enough, despite all of this, people still flock to and adore anime Yaten. Poor guy, he just can't hide his natural type B likeability no matter how hard he tries. And although manga Yaten never showed any explicit signs of this, it's fairly safe to say that both incarnations of Yaten are very carefully concealing their deep feelings of loneliness.

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