Linkage between ABO Blood Type and Occupation: Evidence from Japanese Politicians and Athletes

Abstract

In Asian countries, e.g., Japan, South Korea, China and Taiwan, many studies on the relationship between ABO blood type and personality have been conducted. Recently, it has been estimated that more than half of Japanese, Korean and Taiwanese people feel that this relationship is legitimate. Therefore, when data from these countries are used in personality tests, it is theoretically difficult to eliminate the effects of the “contamination of knowledge,” even if differences are found. To avoid this issue, this study examined the linkage between ABO blood type and occupations in Japan. The results showed that personality traits corresponding to blood type appeared in the data of each of the three groups of politicians and athletes, and all differences were statistically significant. We observed a clear and significant relationship between blood type and personality. Additionally, it is also necessary to consider the influence of social background.