In Japanese culture, the number 8 is widely considered to be one of the luckiest numbers. There are several reasons why the number 8 is associated with good fortune in Japan.
The Meaning of 8 in Japanese
One of the main reasons that 8 is lucky in Japan is due to the way it is pronounced. The Japanese word for 8 is “hachi” (八). This sounds very similar to the Japanese word “hatchi” (八ち), which means prosperity or growth.
Additionally, the Chinese character for 8 (八) contains two radicals that each have positive connotations. The upper part of the character (入) means “enter” while the lower part (兀) represents “one self”. Together, these radicals imply the meaning of “progress” or “advancement” – both very fortunate meanings.
8 is a Lucky Number in Chinese Culture
As Japan was historically influenced by Chinese culture, the positive symbolism of the number 8 was also transmitted. In Chinese culture, 8 is seen as the luckiest number because the word for 8 (八) sounds similar to the word for “prosper” or “wealth” (发).
Additionally, the shape of the Chinese character for 8 implies that a person will have a smooth road to prosperity. This is because the character starts with a single horizontal stroke, indicating “one road”, and ends with two strokes that open up – implying the road is wide and open.
August 8th (8/8)
August 8th, written 8/8, is considered to be the luckiest day of the year in Japan. This date is called “Yattō no Urameshi” which translates to “Double 8s, double fortunes”.
August 8th is seen as extremely auspicious because the number 8 is doubled. Having two 8s magnifies the lucky properties of the number. Many Japanese couples like to get married or hold their wedding ceremony on 8/8 for good luck.
88 is Extra Lucky
Not only is 8 lucky on its own, but numbers containing multiple 8s are considered even luckier. This is why 88 is seen as a very auspicious number in Japan.
88 symbolizes double prosperity or double happiness. Giving a gift of 88,000 yen is traditional for weddings or graduations in Japan. Many stores charge 8,800 yen for fortune bags containing lucky items.
8s are Preferred in Addresses and Phone Numbers
Due to the positive symbolism of 8, addresses and phone numbers containing 8s are highly desired in Japan. Properties with 8 in the address tend to have higher property values.
Phone numbers are often specifically registered to contain as many 8s as possible. The most desired and expensive phone numbers can contain strings of multiple, consecutive 8s.
8 is Linked to Wealth and Business
The number 8 is also associated with accumulating wealth, success in business, and entrepreneurship in Japan. This is connected to the similarities between the pronunciation of 8 (“hachi”) and the word for prosperity (“hatchi”).
For this reason, 8 is thought to have properties that can help attract money and financial luck. Businesses will often contain 8 in their phone numbers or addresses to make them more financially auspicious.
Infinity Symbolism
Some believe that 8 looks like the infinity symbol turned on its side. As infinity represents endless prosperity and longevity, 8 is also imbued with these positive qualities.
The möbius strip, which is the infinity symbol in 3-dimensional form, is reminiscent of an 8 laid on its side as well. Möbius strips can therefore be used as lucky charms in Japan.
Opening Ceremonies on 8/8
It is common for major events, grand openings, and ceremonies to be held on August 8th (8/8) in order to take advantage of the date’s good fortune.
For example, the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing officially started on 8/8/08 at 8PM. The opening of the Shanghai Disney Resort also took place on June 16, 2016 (6+1+6 = 8).
Gifting 8s
Gifting items in sets of 8 is seen as very lucky in Japan. Some popular gifts containing 8 include:
- Flowers – 8 roses or chrysanthemums are commonly gifted
- Sake – 8 bottles of sake
- Candles – 8 candles
- Bell charms – 8 silver bells tied together with red string
When giving cash gifts in Japan, the amounts tend to contain 8s i.e. 8,000 yen, 88,000 yen, or 888,888 yen.
8 Gods of Fortune
There is a group of 8 Gods of Fortune that are worshipped together in Japan for their combined luck and prosperity-granting powers. These include:
- Ebisu – The god of prosperity in business
- Bishamonten – The god of fortune in war
- Benzaiten – The goddess of fortune, art, and wisdom
- Fukurokuju – The god of wisdom and longevity
- Jurojin – The god of longevity
- Hotei – The god of abundance and good health
- Daikokuten – The god of commerce and trade
- Benten – The goddess of luck, beauty, and knowledge
Together, these 8 gods are called the “Shichi Fukujin” and they represent different aspects of fortune and prosperity.
8 is Lucky Across Many Cultures
While 8 is strongly associated with luck in Japan, this positive symbolism is not unique to Japan. The number 8 is linked to good fortune in several other cultures as well:
- In Chinese culture, 8 symbolizes prosperity and success.
- In Hinduism, the 8 Lakshmis are gods and goddesses of wealth and fortune.
- In Western astrology, the 8th house represents wealth, possessions, and business.
- In Feng Shui, facing or entering through the 8th gate brings prosperity.
So the lucky symbolism of the number 8 appears to be somewhat universal across cultures.
Unlucky Associations
While 8 generally carries very positive connotations in Japan, there are some exceptions where it can signify unluckiness:
- Gifting knives or cutting tools – as “knife” (ナイフ) sounds like “naifu” (内不安) meaning “inner unease”.
- Gifting four of something – as “four” (四) sounds like “death” (死).
- Gifting items in sets of nine – as “nine” (九) sounds like “suffering” (苦し).
However, these are quite minor and specific unlucky associations. Overall, 8 remains one of the most powerfully lucky and auspicious numbers in Japanese culture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number 8 is very significant in Japanese culture and imbued with much positive symbolism. Due to linguistic reasons and imported Chinese culture, 8 is strongly associated with wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.
Multiples of 8, such as 88 or 888, are considered even luckier. August 8th (8/8) in particular is the most auspicious date of the year. While minor exceptions exist, 8 generally conveys extremely fortunate meanings in Japan.
So for most purposes in Japanese culture, the number 8 can definitively be considered lucky.
References
Here are some references used in researching this article:
- Japan Talk. “Is the Number 8 Lucky in Japan?” https://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/is-the-number-8-lucky
- The Japanese Shop. “Number 8 in Japanese Culture.” https://thejapaneseshop.co.uk/blog/number-8-in-japanese-culture
- Japan Objects. “Lucky 8: Why the Octad is so Auspicious.” https://japanobjects.com/features/lucky-8
- Wikipedia. “Japanese superstitions.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_superstitions
- Nipponia No. 28. “The Mystery of Lucky 8.” https://web-japan.org/nipponia/nipponia28/en/mystery/index.html