Do you Know the Meaning of these 10 Emojis?
What emojis can reveal about Japanese history, language and culture
Quick question: what does this emoji mean?
♨️
As everyone who has been to Japan will know, it’s a hot spring.
Even before emojis were created, this symbol was commonly used in Japan on maps and tourist guides to represent the relaxing hot water facilities so beloved by the Japanese.
However, many non-Japanese understand it to mean a barbecue, stove, or some kind of cooking device. Others interpret it as water boiling in a pot.
These alternative interpretations became so common that as part of the preparations for the most recent Tokyo Olympics, the Japanese government even considered changing the official hot spring symbol.
In the end, the government decided to stick with the original symbol. Unfortunately due to the pandemic, the number of visitors to Tokyo was far fewer than originally expected, thus greatly reducing the chances of disappointed tourists finding a bath when they really wanted a steak.
However, when it comes to the potential for misinterpretation, ♨️ is just the tip of the emoji iceberg.
