The number 9 is considered unlucky in Japanese culture.
Why is 9 Unlucky in Japan?
The reason behind the unluckiness associated with the number 9 stems from its pronunciation. In Japanese, the number "9" can be pronounced as "ku" (苦). This pronunciation is homophonous with the Japanese word for "suffering" or "torture" (苦). This association leads to the perception of 9 as an inauspicious number. This fear of the number 9 is called Enneaphobia.
Implications of Enneaphobia
Enneaphobia can manifest in various ways within Japanese society:
- Pricing: Businesses may avoid setting prices ending in 9.
- Room Numbers: Hospitals and hotels might skip room numbers containing 9.
- Gifts: Giving gifts in sets of nine may be considered impolite.
Similar Superstitions
It's important to note that cultural superstitions surrounding numbers are common. For example, the number 4 is considered unlucky in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese cultures due to its similar pronunciation to the word "death." This is known as tetraphobia.
