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Instructions to Copy an Emoji from emojikitchen.biz:
- Open your web browser and enter the URL emojikitchen.biz to access the site.
- Navigate to the Get Emojis section.
- Click on the emoji you want; the system will automatically copy it for you.
- Paste the emoji wherever you want it to appear, and you’re done!
What are emojis? Instructions for Using Emoji at Emojikitchen.biz
Emoji, also known as emoticons, are now almost everywhere. They have become a popular part of conversations with friends, family, and are even widely used in marketing and communications. So, what exactly is an emoji? How can you use emoji effectively to enhance the performance of marketing campaigns?
What Are Emojis?
Emojis are small pictorial symbols often used in text messages and chat conversations to express emotions, represent objects, or refer to ideas that the sender wants to communicate. These symbols frequently appear in communication apps like social networks and text messaging platforms.
Understanding the Origins of Emoji
The Meaning of “Emoji”
Emojis originated in Japan primarily to facilitate communication among Japanese people. The “E” stands for “picture” and “Moji” means “character.” The first widely used set of emojis was introduced in 1999 as a part of the “i-mode” messaging feature—one of the pioneering mobile internet services developed and provided by Japan’s mobile operator, NTT DOCOMO.
The World’s First Emojis
Mr. Shigetake Kurita, known as the “father of emoji,” created the initial set of emojis to simplify digital communication. The original DOCOMO emojis were drawn on a 12 × 12 pixel grid and were much simpler compared to today’s emojis.
Following NTT DOCOMO, other major mobile operators such as SoftBank and au introduced their own versions, and emojis quickly became an indispensable part of digital communication and marketing in Japan. By 2005, recognizing the need for cross-carrier compatibility, mobile operators began introducing features that allowed their emojis to be converted into similar icons used by others.
By 2010, hundreds of emoji characters were officially encoded with Unicode 6.0. This enabled people to use emojis across different carriers and mobile devices, thanks in part to contributions from Google and Apple. Both companies collaborated with Japanese firms—Google with KDDI to attract Gmail users, and Apple with SoftBank for iPhone distribution.
In 2011, Apple introduced emojis in their standard keyboard, allowing users around the world to incorporate emojis into their daily communications.
The Popularity of Emoji Usage
In recent years, emojis have appeared in nearly every corner of the internet—from Instagram and Facebook to business communication systems used in the workplace. They are now common on billboards, in emails, and on social media posts, as companies harness the power of emojis to boost engagement (including social media interaction, open rates, click-through rates, and conversions).
When integrated into a company’s marketing strategy, especially in Japan, emojis can be highly effective. Using culturally relevant and well-known emojis can truly connect with potential customers. With over 3,000 emoji characters available today, writers can choose the most suitable ones to accurately reflect the message they want to convey.
Why Use Emojis?
Emojis have a powerful impact on both everyday communication and marketing strategies. Brands that include emojis in their email subject lines see an average increase in open rates of 45%. The primary reason for this is that emojis represent a universal language that most customers understand and resonate with.
- Enhancing Communication: It is often challenging to determine the tone or meaning behind a text message or social media post written on a smartphone. Emojis help provide context and indicate the sender’s emotions.
- Expressing Personality: Many brands now use emojis to showcase the human side of their business. In a world where customers struggle to trust faceless corporations, emojis add a touch of friendliness.
- Encouraging Engagement: Using emojis to express emotions often encourages others to share their own feelings in response. Numerous social media platforms use emojis as “reactions” so people can express their thoughts on posts without words.
When Should You Use Emojis?
Although emojis support many forms of online interactions, overusing them is not advisable. They work best when communicating with younger audiences or customers who grew up using emojis to express themselves. Use emojis to enhance communication when:
- You know your audience feels comfortable with and accepts differences.
- You add context to your posts.
- You have carefully chosen your images.
- You are creating an engaging customer experience.
Be cautious not to overload a post with too many emojis, and remember that certain emojis have hidden meanings. Always research the social connotations of each emoji before posting online.
3 Tips for Using Emojis Effectively in Japanese Marketing
The complex emoji characters we know today are a key element that should not be overlooked in any marketing strategy. When businesses use emojis in their communications, it is important to use them accurately, at the right frequency, and in a way that achieves the intended effect. So, what’s the secret?
1. Understand the Cultural Differences in Emoji Meanings
Since emojis originated in Japan, many are specific to Japanese culture. This underlines the importance of using the right emojis when communicating in the Japanese market. Therefore, understanding the meaning behind each emoji is crucial for effective text or messaging communication in Japan.
- The Meaning of Hand Gesture Emojis:
Hand gesture emojis are common but can be easily misunderstood across different cultures. For example, there have been cases where businesses used the “folded hands 🙏” emoji to signify “welcome” in Japanese. However, this gesture is mainly used in Japan to express apologies or gratitude, not as a greeting.
Even though many might overlook this detail, such a small mistake can signal unfamiliarity with the Japanese market and potentially cost valuable connections with Japanese customers.
Hand gesture emojis are very handy for conveying implied intentions or messages. Remember that the meanings of these gestures can differ widely between cultures—a friendly sign in one culture might be off-putting in another. Always verify the meaning of any hand gesture before using it. - Common Misinterpretations in Japan:
- With 💸 (the flying money emoji): Many may think it symbolizes success and wealth, but in Japan, it has a negative connotation, often representing losing money due to overspending or unexpected expenses.
- With 💯 (the “100” emoji): While some might see it as signifying truth or agreement, in reality, it denotes perfect or outstanding performance.
- With 🆖 (the “NG” emoji): In Japan, it refers to items or actions that are forbidden and is usually used to indicate inappropriate behavior.
2. Adapt Your Emoji Use to the Audience and Context
- Consider Your Target Audience’s Age and Gender:
Japanese business culture is very detailed and nuanced. One cardinal rule is to show respect for others, especially customers and superiors. Although emojis are used widely across generations, some older individuals believe that using emojis in business communication is inappropriate.
For instance, a survey conducted by Nulab found that over 30% of people aged 50 and 50% of those over 60 felt that emojis should not be used in business communications. In contrast, younger groups—especially those in their 30s—are more positive about using emojis in business settings.
It’s important to note that even among younger respondents, the percentage of those who believe emojis should be used in business communication remains below 55%. - Consider the Context and Purpose of the Content:
One survey participant mentioned feeling uncomfortable when people use emojis in apology emails. Some respondents noted that emojis can seem overly casual or friendly in a business relationship, potentially leading to a lack of respect for superiors.
Another pointed out that people might not take your message seriously if you use emojis, even if your goal is to create a more relaxed communication style. This highlights the importance of understanding your audience and tailoring your emoji use to the context, ensuring that they have a positive effect rather than the opposite.
3. Use Emojis Appropriate to the Time & Event
Some emojis represent unique aspects of Japanese culture and seasonal events. For example:
- The carp streamer emoji (🎏) represents a boys’ festival in Japan on May 5th.
- The moon-viewing emoji (🎑) represents a traditional autumn festival celebrating the full moon.
- The bamboo and pine decoration emoji (🎍) symbolizes the New Year.
Using these emojis out of season can confuse Japanese customers.
When used appropriately, emojis can be a powerful communication tool that helps convey messages and overcome language barriers. It is essential to understand the culture of your target audience to use emojis effectively.
How to Type Emojis on a Computer
Typing Emojis on Windows
To insert emojis in Windows, press the Windows key + . (period) or Windows key + ; (semicolon). Then, click on the emoji you want to use.
Typing Emojis on a MacBook
On a MacBook, you can use the Command + Control + Space key combination to bring up the emoji picker, then select the emoji you wish to use.
If the key combination doesn’t display the emoji list, you can go to the Edit menu and choose “Emoji & Symbols.”
If you know what type of emoji you are looking for, you can use the search box to find it more easily. When you use the shortcut to display the emoji panel, you will also see other options, such as GIFs, Kaomoji, and Symbols.
Emojis are familiar symbols that appear in many different contexts, especially in communication campaigns and advertising content. Understanding what emojis are and how to use them will provide you with a valuable resource to incorporate them appropriately and effectively.