What are typical mixed emotions in Japanese people?

Abstract

Emotions that are a mixture of positive and negative emotions are called mixed emotions. Culture influences what kinds of mixed emotions exist, sometimes regarded as emotions that symbolize a specific culture (e.g., saudade). However, there are few studies on mixed emotions in Japan, and it is unclear what kind of mixed emotions are likely to be experienced by Japanese people. The present study aimed to examine what mixed emotions are evaluated as typical among Japanese people, based on three studies. In a preliminary survey, 24 mixed emotion words were selected as candidates. In Study 1, mixed emotion words were evaluated regarding comprehension and emotional valence, and 12 were selected as more typical mixed emotion words. Finally, in Study 2, the 12 mixed emotion words were examined in more detail, and it was shown that "nagorioshii" and "aizou" in particular, may be typical mixed emotion words in Japanese people.