Japanese Lucky & Unlucky Numbers: The Hidden Meanings Behind 4, 7, 8 & More
Discover why 4 is unlucky and 8 is lucky in Japan! Learn the fascinating superstitions behind Japanese numbers, from 777 to why hospitals skip floor 4.
In Japan, numbers aren't just numbers – they carry luck, meaning, and sometimes superstition! From hotels missing the 4th floor to weddings avoiding certain dates, understanding Japanese number superstitions reveals a fascinating side of the culture.
Get ready for some number magic! 🔢✨
Why Numbers Have Meaning in Japan
Japanese number superstitions come from two sources:
1. Pronunciation Associations
Japanese numbers can sound like other words, creating connections:
- 4 (四 - shi) sounds like 死 (shi - death) 💀
- 8 (八 - hachi) looks like expanding ∞ = prosperity! 💰
2. Visual Symbolism
The shape of characters creates meaning:
- 八 (8) spreads outward = growth
- 四 (4) is enclosed = trapped/ending
3. Religious & Cultural History
Buddhism, Shinto, and Chinese influence all shaped number beliefs.
Unlucky Numbers 💀
4 (四 - Shi) ⚠️
The Dreaded Number!
4 is Japan's unluckiest number because 四 (shi) sounds exactly like 死 (shi = death).
Where you'll notice it:
| Place | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Hospitals | No Room 4, Floor 4, or Bed 4 |
| Hotels | 4th floor often skipped |
| Apartments | No Unit 4 |
| Parking | Space 4 avoided |
| Products | Sets of 4 uncommon |
| Phone numbers | People avoid numbers with 4 |
Gift taboo: Never give 4 of something (4 flowers, 4 items)!
Fun fact: Some buildings go 1, 2, 3, 5... with no 4th floor at all!
Workaround: Use よん (yon) instead of し (shi) to avoid the death association. Both readings exist!
9 (九 - Ku) ⚠️
The Suffering Number
9 is unlucky because 九 (ku) sounds like 苦 (ku = suffering/pain).
Where it matters:
- Hospitals avoid room 9 and 49 (shi-ku = death + suffering 😱)
- Some buildings skip 9th floor
- Gifts in sets of 9 are avoided
Double trouble: 49 (四九 - shi-ku) combines death AND suffering. Extremely avoided!
13 (十三 - Juusan)
Western Import
13 isn't traditionally unlucky in Japan, but Western influence has made some people cautious about it – especially in international contexts.
42 (四二 - Shi-Ni)
Death is Coming
42 sounds like 死に (shini = "to death" or "dying"). Some hospitals have no Room 42!
43 (四三 - Shi-San)
Stillbirth
43 sounds like 死産 (shizan = stillbirth). Avoided in maternity wards.
Lucky Numbers 🍀
7 (七 - Shichi/Nana) 🎰
The Lucky Seven
7 is lucky in Japan, partly from Buddhist tradition (Seven Lucky Gods - 七福神) and partly from Western influence.
Where you see it:
- Pachinko/slots: 777 = jackpot! 🎰
- Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin)
- 7-Eleven convenience stores
- Lucky dates with 7
Cultural note: 七五三 (Shichi-go-san) is a festival for children aged 7, 5, and 3 – all auspicious ages!
8 (八 - Hachi) 💰
The Prosperity Number
8 is considered the LUCKIEST number in Japan!
Why it's lucky:
- 八 looks like it's spreading/expanding at the bottom = growth & prosperity
- Associated with increasing fortune
- Eight is beyond seven (completeness + 1)
Where you see it:
- Business names often include 8
- Lucky phone numbers with many 8s
- Dates with 8 preferred for openings
- 富士山 (Mt. Fuji) = 2,236m base, often written 8,848... wait, that's Everest! But 8 is still lucky 😄
Example: Car license plates with 8888 are VERY expensive in Japan!
3 (三 - San) ✨
The Harmony Number
3 represents harmony and completeness:
- Many things come in 3s in Japanese culture
- 三種の神器 (Three Sacred Treasures)
- Easier to remember than 4 items!
Gift giving: 3 is a safe, pleasant number for gifts.
5 (五 - Go) ⭐
The Balance Number
5 represents balance (5 elements, 5 senses):
- Often used in formal occasions
- 五穀豊穣 (abundant grain harvest)
- Safe for gifts!
Number Combinations 🔢
Super Lucky Combos
| Number | Reading | Sounds Like | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 777 | nana-nana-nana | - | Triple lucky! Jackpot! 🎰 |
| 888 | hachi-hachi-hachi | - | Maximum prosperity! 💰💰💰 |
| 39 | san-kyuu | "thank you" | Good fortune/gratitude 🙏 |
| 37 | san-nana | サンナナ | Lucky combination ⭐ |
Super Unlucky Combos
| Number | Reading | Sounds Like | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | shi-shi | 死死 | Death death 💀💀 |
| 49 | shi-ku | 死苦 | Death suffering 😱 |
| 42 | shi-ni | 死に | Toward death ☠️ |
| 24 | ni-shi | 二死 | Double death 💀💀 |
| 43 | shi-san | 死産 | Stillbirth 😢 |
Wordplay Numbers 🔤
Japanese LOVES number wordplay! Phone numbers and codes use number readings creatively:
Goroawase (語呂合わせ) - Number Puns
| Number | Reading | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 428 | shi-ni-ya | "Go die!" | Villain reference! |
| 39 | san-kyuu | "Thank you" | Texting |
| 893 | ya-ku-za | Yakuza | Self-explanatory! |
| 4649 | yo-ro-shi-ku | "Nice to meet you" | Classic! |
| 084 | o-ha-yo | "Good morning" | Texting |
| 0840 | o-ha-yo-o | "Good morning" (long) | Texting |
| 889 | ha-ya-ku | "Quickly" | Hurry up! |
| 1103 | ii-o-san | "Good father" | Father's Day |
| 2525 | ni-ko-ni-ko | "Smiley" | Happy! 😊 |
| 5963 | go-ku-rou-san | "Thanks for your work" | Texting |
Famous ones:
- Emergency: 110 (警察 - police) / 119 (消防 - fire)
- 1122 (いい夫婦 - ii fuufu - "good couple") → Nov 22 = Good Couple Day!
Real-World Examples 🏢
Buildings & Floors
Many Japanese buildings avoid unlucky floor numbers:
| Floor | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1F | ✅ OK | - |
| 2F | ✅ OK | - |
| 3F | ✅ OK | - |
| 4F | ❌ SKIPPED | Death floor |
| 5F | ✅ OK | (Called 4F in reality) |
| 9F | ⚠️ Sometimes skipped | Suffering |
| 13F | ⚠️ Sometimes skipped | Western influence |
Some buildings: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10... 🤯
Hospital Rooms
Hospitals are VERY careful about numbers:
| Room | Status |
|---|---|
| Room 4 | ❌ Never |
| Room 9 | ❌ Avoided |
| Room 42 | ❌ Never (death-bound) |
| Room 43 | ❌ Never (stillbirth) |
| Room 49 | ❌ NEVER (death + suffering) |
Car License Plates
Popular plates with lucky numbers cost MORE:
| Plate | Price | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 8888 | ¥¥¥ | Maximum luck! |
| 7777 | ¥¥ | Lucky sevens |
| 1111 | ¥ | Uniformity |
| Good wordplay | ¥¥ | Creative |
| Contains 4 | Cheaper | Bad luck |
Wedding Dates
Couples check calendars carefully:
Lucky dates: 8th, 18th, 28th of months Avoided: 4th, 9th, dates adding to 4 or 9
Pop Culture & Anime References 🎌
In Anime
- Room/locker 4 = Bad omen incoming!
- Character wearing 4 = Death flags! 🚩
- 777 appearing = Jackpot moment
- 4:44 on a clock = Spooky time
In Gaming
- HP or damage = 444 = References death
- Lucky items = Often come in 7s or 8s
- Boss floor = Sometimes floor 4 or 13
In Music
AKB48 - Not 47 or 49 because:
- 47 = less popular
- 48 = 4 + 8 = interesting balance
- 49 = death + suffering combo!
Practical Tips for Visitors 🎁
Gift Giving
| Amount | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ⚠️ Lonely | Unless it's special |
| 2 | ✅ Pairs | Good for couples |
| 3 | ✅ Safe | Traditional |
| 4 | ❌ NEVER | Death! |
| 5 | ✅ Great | Balance |
| 6 | ⚠️ Neutral | No strong meaning |
| 7 | ✅ Lucky | Good choice! |
| 8 | ✅ Perfect! | Prosperity! |
| 9 | ❌ Avoid | Suffering |
Money Gifts (結婚式 - Weddings)
Always give odd amounts (except 8):
- ✅ ¥30,000, ¥50,000, ¥80,000
- ❌ ¥40,000 (death!), ¥90,000 (suffering!)
Numbers Quick Reference 📋
| Number | Japanese | Luck | Association |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 一 (ichi) | Neutral | Beginning |
| 2 | 二 (ni) | Neutral | Pairs |
| 3 | 三 (san) | Lucky ✅ | Harmony |
| 4 | 四 (shi/yon) | UNLUCKY ❌ | Death |
| 5 | 五 (go) | Lucky ✅ | Balance |
| 6 | 六 (roku) | Neutral | - |
| 7 | 七 (shichi/nana) | Lucky ✅ | Fortune |
| 8 | 八 (hachi) | VERY LUCKY ✅✅ | Prosperity |
| 9 | 九 (ku/kyuu) | Unlucky ❌ | Suffering |
| 10 | 十 (juu) | Neutral | Completion |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do young Japanese people believe this?
Mostly awareness rather than belief. They might not care about 4th floor apartments, but would still avoid giving 4 items as gifts.
Are there lucky dates for travel?
Some people check 六曜 (rokuyo - a calendar system) for lucky/unlucky days. 大安 (taian) is the luckiest!
What about Western numbers like 13?
Growing awareness due to Western influence, but not as significant as 4 and 9.
Do I really need to worry about this?
For gifts: YES! For everyday life: awareness helps but don't stress!
Conclusion: Numbers Tell Stories! 🔢
Japanese numbers carry centuries of meaning, superstition, and wordplay. Understanding them helps you:
Key takeaways: ✅ 4 = death (避ける - AVOID!) ✅ 8 = prosperity (大好き - LOVE!) ✅ 7 = lucky (ラッキー!) ✅ 9 = suffering (避ける - avoid) ✅ Never give gifts in 4s or 9s!
Your next step: Numbers use kanji you should recognize! Master kana with KanaDojo → and start reading Japanese numbers confidently!
八 (8) で幸運を祈る！ (Hachi de kouun wo inoru!) Wishing you luck with 8!
Related Articles: