Japanese crochet chart symbols explained

Symbols on crochet charts printed in Japan

Scroll the table sideways to see every column.

Stitch or mark	Symbol	Also called	In UK terms
slip stitch	a filled oval	none	the same stitch, under the same name
reverse single crochet	an x with a wavy line over it	crab stitch	the same symbol; a US single crochet is a UK double crochet
single crochet in the back loop only	an x with a short line under it	none	the same symbol; a US single crochet is a UK double crochet
2 single crochet in one stitch	a V: two lines that meet at the foot	an increase	the same symbol; a US single crochet is a UK double crochet
single crochet 2 together	an upturned V: two lines that meet at the top	a decrease	the same symbol; a US single crochet is a UK double crochet
2 half double crochet in one stitch	two half double crochet symbols that meet at the foot in a V	none	the same symbol; a US half double crochet is a UK half treble
2 double crochet in one stitch	two double crochet symbols that meet at the foot in a V	none	the same symbol; a US double crochet is a UK treble
fasten off	a filled triangle	cut yarn	the same mark, under the same name

These are symbols of charts printed in Japan that our chart of crochet symbols does not show, or shows another way.
The basic stitches are drawn as on that chart: an oval for a chain, and an upright line with a bar across the top for half double crochet (UK half treble), with one slash for double crochet (UK treble) and two for treble crochet (UK double treble).
The line of a single crochet in the back loop only is drawn under the x here. One key we read says it may also stand above the x.
Each row is a symbol that two published keys show or describe alike. Symbols that only one key gives are left out.

Charts printed in Japan use one standard set of symbols, so a symbol means the same from one pattern to the next.
One symbol stands for one stitch. Symbols that meet at the foot are worked into one stitch, which is an increase. Symbols that meet at the top are worked together, which is a decrease.
A piece worked in rounds starts in the middle of its chart and is read counterclockwise.
A piece worked in rows starts at its starting chain and is worked back and forth.
Rows and rounds are numbered on the chart, and a repeat is marked off with brackets or arrows.
わ (wa) in the middle of a round chart means a ring: start there with a magic ring.
目 (me) means stitch and 段 (dan) means row or round. They are printed with counts: how many stitches, how many rows.
Single crochet (UK double crochet) is drawn as an x or as a plus sign.

What does a V mean on a Japanese crochet chart?: Two stitches worked into one stitch: an increase. A plain V is 2 single crochet (UK double crochet) in one stitch.
What does an x with a wavy line over it mean?: Reverse single crochet, also called crab stitch. A US single crochet is a UK double crochet.
What does the Japanese letter in the middle of a round chart mean?: わ (wa) means a ring. Start with a magic ring and work the first round into it.
What is the black triangle at the end of a chart?: The place where you cut the yarn and fasten off.

Are the basic stitches drawn differently in Japan?: Mostly not. The chain, half double crochet (UK half treble), double crochet (UK treble) and treble crochet (UK double treble) are drawn as on our chart of crochet symbols. The slip stitch is a filled oval where that chart has a dot.
Do I need to read Japanese to follow a chart?: Not for the stitches: the symbols say them. Three marks help: わ (wa), a ring; 目 (me), stitch; 段 (dan), row or round.
What about charts printed in other countries?: This page covers charts printed in Japan only. The standard symbols are on our chart of crochet symbols. Our suggestion
Where are the stitch names that patterns in other languages use?: On our chart of crochet terms in other languages. Our suggestion

Abbreviations What does this abbreviation in my pattern mean?
US and UK terms What does this stitch name mean in US terms and in UK terms?
Chart symbols What does this symbol on a crochet chart mean?
Terms in other languages What is this stitch called in a pattern written in another language?
Hook size for your yarn weight Which hook do I use with this yarn?
Hook size by project What size hook do I use for the thing I am making?
Hook size chart What size is my hook, in millimeters and as a US letter or number?
Steel hook sizes What size is my steel crochet hook in millimeters?
Knitting needle to hook size Which crochet hook is the same size as my knitting needle?
Yarn weight chart What weight is my yarn, and what else is it called?
Thread size chart How thick is this size of crochet thread?
Starting chain calculator How many chains do I start with for this width?
Yarn calculator How much yarn do I need to finish this?
Blanket size chart How big should I make this blanket?
Baby blanket size chart How big should I make a baby blanket?
Scarf size chart How long and how wide do I make a scarf?
Hat size chart How big is the head I am making this hat for?
Size chart for babies How big are a baby's head and feet at this age?
Headband size chart How long do I make a headband or an ear warmer?
Slipper size chart How long is the foot for this shoe size?
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