Japanese Emoticons (Kaomoji 顔文字)
Complete collection of Japanese text emoticons - Click any kaomoji to copy instantly!
What are Japanese Emoticons (Kaomoji)?
Kaomoji (顔文字, literally "face characters") are Japanese text-based emoticons that use a combination of characters to express emotions, actions, and objects. Unlike Western emoticons like :-) which are read sideways, kaomoji are viewed upright and often more elaborate.
Key Differences from Western Emoticons
Western Emoticons
- Read sideways: :-) :-(
- Simple, 3-5 characters
- Limited expressions
- Focus on mouth
Japanese Kaomoji
- Read upright: (^_^) (ಥ﹏ಥ)
- Complex, many characters
- Vast variety of expressions
- Focus on eyes and full face
Kaomoji became popular in Japan during the late 1980s and spread globally with the rise of internet culture and anime fandom. They're especially popular on messaging apps, forums, and social media.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯Shrug Emoticons (肩すくめ)
Express "I don't know," "whatever," or indifference with these classic shrug kaomoji. The most iconic is ¯\_(ツ)_/¯, known worldwide as the shrug emoticon.
💡 Pro Tip: Typing the Shrug
Instead of typing ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ manually, use our one-click copy tool or set up text shortcuts on your device!
(^_^)Happy Emoticons (嬉しい)
Express joy, excitement, and happiness. These cheerful kaomoji are perfect for positive messages and celebrations.
(♥ω♥)Love & Affection (愛)
Show love, affection, and warmth. Perfect for romantic messages, thanking friends, or expressing adoration.
(ಥ﹏ಥ)Sad Emoticons (悲しい)
Express sadness, disappointment, or crying. Use when you need sympathy or want to show empathy.
(╬ಠ益ಠ)Angry Emoticons (怒り)
Express anger, frustration, or annoyance. Includes the famous table flip (╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻ for maximum rage!
(・・?)ゞConfused Emoticons (困惑)
Express confusion, wondering, or uncertainty. Perfect for "what?" moments.
(°o°)Surprised Emoticons (驚き)
Express shock, surprise, or amazement. Use when something unexpected happens!
(^-^*)/Greetings (挨拶)
Say hello, goodbye, or wave to friends with these friendly kaomoji.
(◕‿◕✿)Cute Emoticons (可愛い)
Kawaii kaomoji! Express cuteness, innocence, and adorableness. Popular in anime and manga culture.
ʕ•ᴥ•ʔAnimal Emoticons (動物)
Adorable animal faces including bears, cats, dogs, and rabbits. Perfect for animal lovers!
ヽ(⌐■_■)ノ♪♬Actions & Dancing
Express actions like dancing, running, or celebrating with dynamic kaomoji.
How to Use Japanese Emoticons
1. Copy & Paste Method
The easiest way! Simply click any kaomoji on this page to copy it, then paste into your message.
2. Text Replacement Shortcuts
Set up text replacements on your device for frequently used kaomoji:
- iPhone/Mac: Settings → Keyboard → Text Replacement
- Android: Keyboard Settings → Personal Dictionary
- Windows: Use PowerToys or AutoHotkey
Example: Type "shrug" to automatically insert ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
3. Japanese IME (Input Method)
If you have Japanese keyboard installed, you can type the pronunciation and convert to kaomoji. For example, type "kao" (顔) for face emoticons.
Cultural Context & History
Kaomoji emerged in Japan in the late 1980s on ASCII NET, a Japanese bulletin board system. Unlike Western emoticons that developed on the early internet, kaomoji were designed to work with Japanese character sets and be read upright.
Why Japanese Emoticons Are Different
- Japanese has full-width characters, allowing for more complex designs
- Focus on eyes rather than mouth (reflecting cultural communication differences)
- No need to tilt head to read (unlike Western :-) )
- Can incorporate hiragana, katakana, and special symbols
Global Influence
- Spread worldwide through anime and manga fandom
- Influenced modern emoji design (many emoji were inspired by kaomoji)
- Still popular on messaging apps, especially in Asia
- Used extensively on Twitter, Discord, and gaming platforms
Famous Kaomoji in Internet Culture
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
The most famous kaomoji worldwide. Became a meme representing "I don't know" or indifference.
(╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻
"Table flip" - Expressing rage or frustration. So popular it has a "put table back" version: ┬─┬ノ( º _ ºノ)
ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ
"Lenny bear" or "bear face" - Often used for cuteness or friendly greetings.
Related Tools & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kaomoji mean?
Kaomoji (顔文字) literally means "face characters" in Japanese. It refers to Japanese-style text emoticons that use various characters to create expressive faces.
How do I type Japanese emoticons on my phone?
The easiest method is to copy & paste from this page. Alternatively, set up text replacements in your phone's keyboard settings to automatically insert kaomoji when you type specific shortcuts.
What's the difference between kaomoji and emoji?
Kaomoji are text-based emoticons made from characters (like ¯\_(ツ)_/¯), while emoji are pictographic symbols (like 😊). Kaomoji work on any device with text support, whereas emoji appearance varies by platform.
Are Japanese emoticons still popular?
Yes! While emoji have become more common, kaomoji remain popular, especially in Japan and among anime/manga fans. They're frequently used on Discord, Twitter, and messaging apps for their expressiveness and charm.