Why lucky symbols matter in Japanese culture
Japan has a rich tradition of engimono — lucky charms and auspicious symbols. These appear on New Year decorations, wedding gifts, temple offerings, and traditional art. Many are kanji characters that have accumulated deep positive associations over centuries.
Unlike Western lucky symbols (horseshoes, four-leaf clovers), Japanese lucky kanji carry specific meanings — they are wishes written in character form.
The ten most auspicious kanji
福 (fuku — good fortune, happiness): Perhaps the most universally lucky kanji. Hung upside down on New Year decorations as a visual pun — an upside-down 福 sounds like "fortune arriving." 寿 (kotobuki/ju — longevity, congratulations): Used at weddings and birthdays, paired with 福 on ceremonial items. 愛 (ai — love): Symbolises the deepest human connection. 和 (wa — harmony, peace): Japan's national cultural concept — appears in the name "Yamato" and the current imperial era "Reiwa."
縁 (en — connection, fate): The invisible thread connecting people. Used in marriage ceremonies and friendship. 幸 (shiawase/kou — happiness, good luck): Appears in 幸運 (good luck) and 幸福 (happiness). 吉 (kichi/yoshi — good luck, auspicious): The top fortune in shrine fortune papers (omikuji). 勝 (katsu — victory): Popular for sports and business endeavours. 健 (ken — health, strength): Used in wishes for good health. 永 (ei — eternity, permanence): A calligrapher's favourite — contains all eight fundamental brush strokes.
福 is often displayed upside down at Chinese New Year and Japanese New Year because the phrase "upside-down fortune" (倒福) sounds like "fortune has arrived" in Chinese. The tradition crossed into Japanese culture and remains popular today.
Where to find these symbols
Lucky kanji appear on omamori (protective amulets sold at shrines), noshi (ceremonial gift decorations), kakejiku (hanging scroll artwork), sake barrels at shrine festivals, and traditional furoshiki (wrapping cloth). In modern Japan they also appear on phone cases, jewellery, and fashion items.
Explore individual kanji
Each lucky symbol has its own dedicated reference page.