Top 10 Japanese Superstitions and What They Mean Today

🌸 Why Japanese Superstitions Still Matter Today🌸

Explore the charm, wisdom, and hidden meanings behind age-old beliefs in Japan.

In a world powered by technology, it might surprise you to know that Japanese superstitions are still very much alive today. From tea leaves to thunder gods, many people in Japan still follow these cultural habits — not just for luck, but for comfort, mindfulness, and connection to tradition.

At Sakura Ave Shop, we’ve been sharing a fun and educational Japanese Superstition Series on Instagram, highlighting these fascinating beliefs in a way that’s perfect for families and curious minds alike. Here’s a roundup of some of our most popular posts — and how these beliefs still shape everyday life today.

 

 

✂️ #1 – Don’t Cut Nails at Night

Cutting your nails at night is believed to shorten your life or cut your ties with family. Historically, this may have stemmed from safety concerns before electric lights — but the superstition lives on.

 

🖍 #2 – Don’t Write Names in Red

Writing names in red ink is linked with death. Red is used for gravestones and names of the deceased, so avoid it when writing someone’s name — especially in cards!

🫣 #3 – Hide Your Thumbs When a Funeral Car Passes

In Japanese, “thumb” means “parent’s finger” (oya-yubi). Hiding your thumbs when a hearse passes is believed to protect your parents from death.

🎶 #4 – Don’t Whistle at Night

Whistling at night may invite thieves, snakes, or even spirits (yokai). This spooky superstition still gives people chills — and keeps the night quiet.

 

🎁 #5 – Don’t Give Combs as Gifts

The Japanese word for comb (“kushi”) sounds like “suffering” and “death,” making it an unlucky gift — especially for birthdays or weddings.

🍚 #6 – Don’t Stick Chopsticks Upright into Rice

This is only done at funerals as an offering to the dead. Doing it casually at meals is seen as highly disrespectful and unlucky.

🛏 #7 – Don’t Sleep with Your Head Facing North

In Japanese funerals, the deceased are laid with heads facing north. Sleeping this way is thought to bring misfortune or spiritual unrest.

 

🐈 #8 – Black Cats Crossing Your Path Means Bad Luck

While cats are adored in Japan, a black cat crossing your path — especially at night — is still seen by many as a bad omen.

 

⚡ #9 – Cover Your Belly Button During Thunderstorms

The thunder god Raijin might steal your belly button if it’s exposed during a storm! This playful superstition helped parents teach kids to stay warm.

 

🍵 #10 – A Floating Tea Stalk Brings Good Luck

If a tea stalk (chabashira) stands upright in your cup, it’s a rare and lucky sign! A small but meaningful superstition still known by many tea lovers.

 

 

🧧 Why These Superstitions Still Matter

Whether you believe in them or not, Japanese superstitions offer powerful insights into the culture’s respect for life, death, family, and nature. They reflect values that are still relevant today — especially in a fast-paced world that could use a little more intention and wonder.

At Sakura Ave Shop, we bring these stories to life through unique, family-friendly products that connect you to Japanese tradition — while sparking curiosity in the next generation.

 

🔗 Keep Exploring:

📱 Follow the Superstition Series on Instagram

🛍️ Shop SakuraAveShop.com for Japanese-inspired décor, gifts & more