Akanbe (Japanese: あかんべえ, あっかんべえ and あかんべえよ) is a Japanese facial gesture indicating sarcasm but also used as a taunt, especially by children. It consists of someone pulling down one's lower eyelid to expose the red underside towards someone, often accompanied by the person sticking their tongue out.[1]

Akanbē is a Japanese facial gesture The gesture is performed by pulling on the lower eyelid to reveal the reddish underside of the eye, often accompanied by sticking out the tongue
A man making the gesture

The word "akanbe" is also used as an interjection, generally expressing disapproval or displeasure. It can be used as a noun, describing a pest who meddles in other people's affairs.

In addition, akanbe is a technique in image composition for animating the hand gesture of a character in anime, comics, or manga. It involves making a character raise their index finger to their eye and making a V-shaped mouth with their lips. This technique is commonly used by characters in the medium when they are angry, surprised, or in disbelief.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "あかんべえ" [akanbee]. Kenkyusha Online Dictionary. 2004.
  2. ^ Taylor, Thomas. "Akanbe". A' Design Awards' Design+Encyclopedia. Retrieved 23 January 2024.