22 January 2006

Japanese Emoticons

The difference between Western Smileys(Emoticons)(1 byte) and Japanese ones(2 bytes)
Apparently, Japanese Smileys(Emoticons) are read vertically while eastern Smileys(Emoticons) are read hosizontally. And Japanese Smileys have more variation than eastern ons. I think the reason is that while American(alphabet) letters in computer are 1 byte, Japanese letters in computer are 2 bytes, so Japanese letters can have more characters. And also, Japanese sentences contain Chinese characters which are phonograms, so it is easier to express and recognize something graphic with letters for Japanese people.

I kind of like these emoticons. They're so Sanrio! I mean, it has that light fun thing. And you don't even have to tilt your head sideways!

\(^0^)/