"My blood's type B, which means I can be irritable and impetuous, and my intentions don't always come across," he said after his resignation. "My wife called me earlier to point that out. I think I need to reflect about that." Matsumoto was tapping into a widespread belief in Japan that blood types correspond to various character traits. Japan's fascination with blood types began in the early 20th century and is similar to the belief in astrology and horoscopes. Many Japanese believe their blood type can foretell success in romance and the suitability for jobs. It's not uncommon for the subject to come up in conversation, sometimes as explanation for an action, and a directory of members of Parliament lists the blood types of many, along with their home towns and hobbies.
