○ Means Yes, × Means No
2026-08-12
In Japan, a simple circle and cross can mean more than you might expect.
○ Means Yes, × Means No
In Japan, a simple circle and cross can mean more than you might expect.
The symbol ○ (maru) generally means correct, good, OK, or yes, while × (batsu) means incorrect, bad, no, or not allowed.
Japanese children learn this from school. Teachers put ○ next to correct answers and × next to mistakes. You may also see these symbols on signs, forms, and television programs.
In many Western countries, however, ✓ is commonly used for correct or yes, while × means wrong or no. A circle does not necessarily mean yes.
Video games created an interesting cultural collision.
Traditionally, Japanese PlayStation consoles used ○ to confirm and × to cancel. Western versions generally did the opposite.
Then, with the PlayStation 5, Sony standardized the controls worldwide: × became Confirm and ○ became Cancel — even in Japan.
Sometimes globalization changes more than language.
It can even change what a circle means.
Disclaimer: I use AI as a tool to help create images and proofread my writing. However, the ideas, opinions, experiences, and messages in my posts are my own. AI does not generate my posts for me. It simply helps me present my own words and ideas more clearly.
Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
ken.uchikura@pspinc.com
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Kenichi Uchikura is a Japanese-American entrepreneur and founder of PSPINC. Through this blog, he shares stories and insights about Japanese history, culture, traditions, business, technology, and everyday life. His goal is to help readers better understand Japan, its people, and the values that continue to shape Japanese society today.
ABOUT PSPINC
PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.), headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, was founded in 1987 and has been providing internet technology services since 1997. PSPINC offers web hosting, email hosting, software development, IT support, cloud solutions, and digital marketing services. The company operates infrastructure in the United States and Japan and supports businesses worldwide with reliable technology and bilingual service.
For Service & Inquiries
Call: 1-800-232-3989 or 425-957-0808
Email: info@pspinc.com
Web: www.pspinc.com
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
ken.uchikura@pspinc.com
X (Twitter) |
Facebook |
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Kenichi Uchikura is a Japanese-American entrepreneur and founder of PSPINC. Through this blog, he shares stories and insights about Japanese history, culture, traditions, business, technology, and everyday life. His goal is to help readers better understand Japan, its people, and the values that continue to shape Japanese society today.
ABOUT PSPINC
PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.), headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, was founded in 1987 and has been providing internet technology services since 1997. PSPINC offers web hosting, email hosting, software development, IT support, cloud solutions, and digital marketing services. The company operates infrastructure in the United States and Japan and supports businesses worldwide with reliable technology and bilingual service.
For Service & Inquiries
Call: 1-800-232-3989 or 425-957-0808
Email: info@pspinc.com
Web: www.pspinc.com
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..