Lucky numbers and unlucky numbers in Japanese culture?

In every culture, there are unique lucky numbers in Japanese and Japanese unlucky numbers. For example, in the United States, 13 is considered unlucky, while in Italy, it’s 17. Japan is no exception, with its own set of numbers that bring either good fortune or bad luck. Join HeyJapan to discover these fascinating numbers in this article!

Lucky Numbers - 吉数 (kissuu)

In Japanese, Japanese lucky numbers, also known as 吉数 (kissuu), are those that bring good luck and positive things into life.

Lucky and unlucky numbers in Japanese 

Number 3 – 三 (san)

The number 3 symbolizes long-lasting luck. In Kanji or the Japanese alphabet, it combines the numbers 1 “一” (ichi) and 2 “二” (ni). It represents creativity, time (past, present, and future), and the three elements: body, mind, and spirit. When counted, 3 is pronounced as "mittsu," which sounds like 満(み)つ (Mitsuru), meaning prosperity. In Feng Shui, the number 3 symbolizes strength, akin to the unbreakable triangle, representing wealth and stability.

Number 3 means prosperity

Number 5 – 五 (go)

In the 5th and 6th centuries, 陰陽道 (onmyodo), a traditional Japanese cosmology blending natural science and mysticism, introduced the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Japanese lucky number 5 represents these elements, luck, and blessings. It is favored by business people for its symbolism of stability, luck, and prosperity.

Number 7 – 七 (nana/shichi)

In Chinese, 7 (七) is considered unlucky, but in Western cultures, it’s quite the opposite. The “lucky 7” concept was imported to Japan through baseball, where teams often make comebacks in the seventh inning. Additionally, 七福神 (shichifukujin), or the “Seven Lucky Gods” from Shinto and Buddhism, can bring good fortune in various ways, making 7 a lucky number in Japan.

Seven is a lucky number for the Japanese. 

Number 8 – 八 (hachi)

The number 8 is seen as lucky in many countries, including Japan. Its shape, “八,” expanding at the bottom, symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and growth. It significantly influences Japanese architecture and gift-giving customs. Horizontally, 8 becomes the infinity symbol, representing everlasting development.

Unlucky Numbers - 凶数 (kyousuu)

In Japanese, unlucky numbers are called 凶数 (kyousuu). Many of these numbers sound like words with negative meanings.

Unfortunate figures

Number 4 – 四 (yon/shi)

In Japan, as in many other countries, 4 is considered one of the unluckiest numbers. It sounds like “death” (死 - shi), so the number is avoided in daily life. Buildings often skip the 4th floor, and room numbers ending in 4 are rare, especially in hospitals, due to its association with death. Additionally, 4 is part of the “life, aging, sickness, death” cycle, symbolizing death.

Number four corresponds to the last order of the "birth, old, sick, death" cycle.

Number 6 – 六 (roku)

Another number to avoid in Japan is 6. When counted, it’s pronounced “muttsu,” sounding like “nothingness” (無 - mu). Therefore, locations like airports, stadiums, and railways often skip the number 6.

Number 9 – 九 (kyuu/ku)

Like the previous numbers, 9 sounds like 苦 (ku), meaning suffering or hardship. This negative connotation leads to its avoidance, similar to the number 4, with many buildings lacking a 9th floor.

Nine represents bad luck in Japanese culture.

Number 42 – 四十二 (yonjuu ni)

When combined, 4 and 2 can be pronounced 死に (shini), meaning “to death,” making it an unlucky number. Athletes often avoid using this number on their jerseys.

Number 49 – 四十九 (yonjuu kyuu)

Combining two unlucky numbers, 4 and 9, results in 49, meaning “to die.” Like 42, athletes avoid this number for their jerseys.

Conclusion

These are some interesting facts about lucky and unlucky numbers in Japan. We hope you find this information useful. If you want to learn how to read and write Japanese numbers, check out the lessons on HeyJapan for quick and effective learning!