A traditional Japanese custom referring to specific ages believed to be prone to misfortune and calamity.
Overview
Yakudoshi (Unlucky Years)
Yakudoshi is a traditional Japanese custom referring to specific ages believed to be prone to misfortune and calamity. For men, the main unlucky years are 25, 42, and 61; for women, they are 19, 33, 37, and 61. Each main year is preceded by a 'pre-unlucky year' and followed by a 'post-unlucky year,' making a three-year period. Ages 42 for men and 33 for women are called 'Daiyaku' (great misfortune) and are considered times when significant life transitions and physical changes are likely to occur. While there is no scientific basis, many people today view these years positively as opportunities for self-reflection and wellness.
Yakudoshi
unlucky years
Japanese customs
traditional culture
yakuyoke
Daiyaku
Japanese folklore
| code | slug | name | description | ageActual | ageKazoe | gender | type | typeEn |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M-25 | male-25-honyaku | Male Age 25 (Main Unlucky Year) | The first main unlucky year for men. An important period for establishing oneself as a working adult. | 24 | 25 | male | 本厄 | Honyaku (Main Unlucky Year) |
| M-42 | male-42-daiyaku | Male Age 42 (Great Unlucky Year) | The most significant unlucky year for men requiring special attention. A time when work and family responsibilities overlap. | 41 | 42 | male | 大厄 | Daiyaku (Great Unlucky Year) |
| M-61 | male-61-honyaku | Male Age 61 (Main Unlucky Year) | The final main unlucky year for men. A transitional period facing retirement and the second act of life. | 60 | 61 | male | 本厄 | Honyaku (Main Unlucky Year) |
| F-19 | female-19-honyaku | Female Age 19 (Main Unlucky Year) | The first main unlucky year for women. An important period for taking the first step into adulthood. | 18 | 19 | female | 本厄 | Honyaku (Main Unlucky Year) |
| F-33 | female-33-daiyaku | Female Age 33 (Great Unlucky Year) | The most significant unlucky year for women requiring special attention. A time when life transitions such as marriage and childbirth often overlap. | 32 | 33 | female | 大厄 | Daiyaku (Great Unlucky Year) |
| F-37 | female-37-honyaku | Female Age 37 (Main Unlucky Year) | A main unlucky year for women. An age when busy periods such as balancing work and childcare are encountered. | 36 | 37 | female | 本厄 | Honyaku (Main Unlucky Year) |
| F-61 | female-61-honyaku | Female Age 61 (Main Unlucky Year) | The final main unlucky year for women. A period for facing retirement and new stages of life. | 60 | 61 | female | 本厄 | Honyaku (Main Unlucky Year) |
| PRE | zenyaku-pre-unlucky | Zenyaku (Pre-Unlucky Year) | The year before the main unlucky year. A preparatory year when signs of misfortune begin to appear. | both | 前厄 | Zenyaku (Pre-Unlucky Year) | ||
| POST | goyaku-post-unlucky | Goyaku (Post-Unlucky Year) | The year after the main unlucky year. A time when misfortune gradually fades. | both | 後厄 | Goyaku (Post-Unlucky Year) |