No, 7 is not considered bad luck in Japan; in fact, it's often seen as lucky.
Luck and Numbers in Japan
While some numbers in Japan are associated with bad luck, like 4 (which sounds like the word for death) and 9 (which sounds like suffering), the number 7 holds a different significance. It's important to understand that cultural beliefs regarding numbers can vary greatly. Here's a breakdown:
Positive Associations with 7
- Buddhism: As mentioned in the provided reference, 7 is an important number in Buddhism. This association imbues it with positive connotations.
- Luck: Due to its religious and cultural importance, 7 is generally regarded as a lucky number.
Contrasting with Other Numbers
While 7 enjoys positive associations, it's worth contrasting it with numbers associated with bad luck in Japan.
- 4 (Shi): The sound of this number is very similar to the Japanese word for "death" (also shi).
- 9 (Ku): The pronunciation of this number is similar to "suffering" or "torture."
The Role of 8
The number 8 is also considered lucky in Japan. The reference stated that this is due to the shape of the number.
Summary
| Number | Luck Association | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Lucky | Important number in Buddhism, positive associations. |
| 8 | Lucky | Shape of the number. |
| 4 | Bad Luck | Sounds like "death" |
| 9 | Bad Luck | Sounds like "suffering" |
In Conclusion
The idea that 7 is bad luck in Japan is incorrect. It's a number with significant positive cultural and religious associations.
