Ten Fascinating Japanese Beliefs and Customs Regarding the Supernatural
Organic Exploration of Historical Prejudices: Superstitions Buried in the Soil of Japan
Meet Mao Goto, a vibrant freelancer hailing from the heart of Tokyo. Intrigued by English education and armed with a Master's degree, she dwells in the Taito Ward, a cultural melting pot where the flavors of Asakusa, Akihabara, and Ueno interweave. Catch her on Facebook.
For centuries, Japan has been a mysterious land enshrouded in superstitions, born from the intersection of its unique historical background and religious beliefs. Join us on an unforgettable journey as we unearth 10 fascinating superstitions still deeply ingrained in Japan's cultural fabric.
- 1. Slippers slide out, parents' watch ends
Japanese folklore warns against disposing of shoes at night, for it's believed to cause your family members to lose their footwear and even their lives-times. The resemblance between the words for "slippers," "night," and "slip" in the Japanese language may solidify this eerie superstition.
- 2. Feasting then resting, dreams of cows await
Reclining immediately after dinner is seen as ill-mannered and is more so if you're a guest. Instead, make room for relaxation and camaraderie. The myth insinuates that lying down straight afterward results in turning into a cow in your dreams-or even worse, in real life.
- 3. Thunder lurks, belly buttons hide
According to ancient lore, belly buttons have a magnetic force that attracts Raijin, the Japanese god of thunder. To ward off illness during stormy weather, hide your midriff and keep Raijin at bay.
- 4. Pillows face north, fail dreams follow
The north pillow superstition is deeply rooted in Buddhism, with skepticism toward the idea that those who sleep with their heads pointing north will cross over to the spiritual plane, whereas living individuals should stay on their earthly path.
- 5. Four-lettered fate knocks on your door
In Japan, the number four is viewed as unlucky due to its phonetic similarity with the word "death." The fourth floor of buildings may be labeled "4B" or skipped entirely out of caution. This tetraphobia is not limited to Japan but extends to mainland China as well.
- 6. Cawing crows, misfortune soon roams
As a harbinger of wickedness, the crow's mournful cry is a sign of impending bad luck in Japan. While the origins of this superstition are murky, it may stem from the crow's dark plumage causing associations with death and misfortune.
- 7. Tea left overnight, health sealed forevermore
Tea lies at the heart of Japanese culture, but consuming tea brewed the prior day is considered harmful. This stems from concern over tea spoilage and the potential health ramifications thereof, before the introduction of modern refrigeration technologies.
- 8. Napping with socks, poor fortune's unrelenting knock
The superstition surrounding sleeping with socks on is tied to the death garment (white clothing worn by the deceased) in Japan. This belief has seeped into Japanese culture as it's seen as inauspicious, potentially causing sickness or misfortune.
- 9. Loquat flowers bloom, illness reigns
Loquat trees are often found in Japanese gardens, but their presence was once thought to be associated with illness due to their widespread use in medicinal preparations in hospitals.
- 10. Mirror, mirror, bad luck for all to see
In Japan, broken mirrors are a source of great concern, as the broken glass is thought to symbolize an omen of bad luck. Removing the broken mirror from sight prevents further ill fortune, both for safety and superstition's sake.
Dive deep into the captivating world of Japan's occult, where age-old superstitions continue to thrive. For a firsthand exploration of Japan's culture and history, check out our website, where we craft tailor-made tours to reveal the hidden gems of the Land of the Rising Sun.
- 11. Exaggerated stories capture travelers' fascination
Stories about Japan's enigmatic superstitions frequently grace travel blogs, luring tourists to uncover the unexplained experiences that lie within this intriguing country.
- 12. Rich customs shape cultural experiences
Japan's history has been ornamented with rituals and customs that pervade daily life, providing travelers with unique opportunities to immerse themselves in the local lifestyle.
- 13. Journey of self-discovery unfolds
Through exploring the historical prejudices buried in the soil of Japan, individuals can gain valuable travel tips and insights into different fashion-and-beauty practices, customs, and religious beliefs that contribute to the country's vibrant culture.
- 14. Memorable events create a lifetime of memories
Attend cultural events such as Matsuri (Japanese festivals) to experience the authenticity of Japanese traditions and customs and partake in exquisite local food that exemplifies distinctive flavors of the region.
- 15. Luxurious hotels offer an escape from the ordinary
For those seeking an opulent stay, Tokyo and Kyoto boast extravagant hotels that offer a glimpse into Japan's rich history and exquisite lifestyle, providing a comfortable and convenient base from which to explore the fascinating world of Japanese superstitions.
- 16. A timeless journey into the heart of history
Connect with the enigma that is Japan by bridging the gap between the past and the present-an unforgettable adventure that promises to leave an indelible mark on the soul of every inquisitive wanderer.
