Superstitions in Japan

Here are some of the superstitions (meishin) unique to Japan, plus a few which are also popular in other countries.

Ancient superstitions in Japan can be seen in relatively new situations, such as the ancient fear of the number 4, often omitted for today's carpark spaces.


And new superstitions pop up all the time. For example, it's considered good luck to see a yellow shinkansen. These passenger-less trains, affectionally known as "Dr Yellow", are used for testing lines at full line speed. They run as and when needed to confirm safety so their schedule is not fixed. Therefore, it's just a matter of luck when you see one. And for trainspotters, that translates to good luck.

Until recently, touching the red loincloth of the Hikyaku mascot on Sawaga Express delivery trucks was supposed to bless the person touching it. Not advisable if the truck was moving. (Sawagawa have recently changed their trucks' livery, sans Hikyaku.)

No doubt more superstitions will be invented in the future, but on these pages we'll focus on the more ancient Japanese superstitions.

Superstition and religion still play significant roles in Japanese society and some superstitions seem to overlap with Buddhist beliefs and practices. (Superstition and religion are not the same thing. See What is superstion?)

Horoscopes based on the zodiac entered Japan from China at about the same time as Buddhism in the mid-6th century. Certain Buddhas became associated with the twelve animals of the zodiac and even today, some temple shops sell good-luck trinkets featuring Buddhist-Zodiac images and use the lunar calendar for festivals.

But keep in mind that superstitions are mere beliefs in the irrational and/or supernatural assumptions. They are not a religious centring on God or deities.

Weddings and marriage

Death

Animals

Health, wealth and happiness

Numbers