Yakudoshi: When Japan’s Unlucky Years Feel All Too Real

Yakudoshi (厄年), or “unlucky years,” is a Japanese belief that certain ages bring misfortune. For men, 42 is considered the most unlucky, while for women, it’s 33. Other critical ages include 25 and 61 for men, and 19 and 37 for women. These years are thought to be challenging due to significant life transitions.

I used to dismiss Yakudoshi as superstition—until I turned 33. That year, I faced a mental health crisis, mysterious rashes that appeared and vanished, and a regrettable apartment choice with rowdy neighbors. Each event felt like a test, making me wonder if there was truth to the superstition.

Many in Japan perform rituals to ward off bad luck during Yakudoshi. Shrines like Meiji Shrine in Tokyo offer Yakuyoke (厄除け) ceremonies, believed to cleanse negative energy. Others carry Omamori (お守り), protective amulets, or engage in acts of kindness to balance misfortune.

Whether you believe in Yakudoshi or not, the concept offers a chance to reflect and reset during challenging times. For me, it became a year of growth—one where I learned to navigate chaos with resilience.