11 Japanese Lucky Charms and Their Meanings

When selecting Japanese tableware or other items made in Japan, have you ever wondered about the meaning behind the motifs featured on them? Many traditional Japanese designs carry symbolic significance.

Understanding these meanings can enhance your shopping experience, deepen your appreciation of the items you own, and help you pick thoughtful gifts for loved ones.

In this article, we explore the meanings behind eleven major Japanese motifs.

Mount Fuji has been revered by the Japanese people since ancient times and its signature shape graces everything from banknotes to ukiyo-e woodblock prints. Known as the highest mountain in Japan, it has rightfully become one of the most prominent symbols of Japan.

Dreaming of Mount Fuji on New Year’s Day is believed to bring good luck for the coming year. This motif, symbolizing prosperity and resilience, is widely used in interior decor, dinnerware, and artwork. This iconic image instantly evokes a Japanese atmosphere, making it a perfect gift for those who love Japan.

Cherry blossoms, known as sakura in Japan, are cherished as Japan’s most beloved flower. These delicate blooms appear in spring, filling the air with pale pink petals. While the beauty of sakura in full bloom is breathtaking, the true reflection of Japanese aesthetics lies in the fleeting moment when the petals fall. This symbolizes the transient nature of life, making sakura a symbol of ephemeral beauty. Because of its deep meaning, items with the sakura motif make heartfelt gifts for friends and loved ones.

A symbol of strength and endurance, the pine tree, known as matsu or sho in Japanese, is a prominent evergreen in Japan, used for centuries from charcoal to resin production. Its essential oil is known for its fresh scent and antibacterial properties. The pine tree, which thrives in tough conditions, is also a powerful emblem of good fortune, and its evergreen leaves symbolize longevity, vitality, and resilience. Among the trio of lucky plants in Japanese culture— sho-chiku-bai (pine, bamboo, and plum)—the pine is held in the highest esteem.

Bamboo, take in Japanese, symbolizes prosperity with its rapid growth and flexibility and is known for its strength and resilience.

Bamboo ornaments are especially important during some of Japan’s most important traditional occasions. The kadomatsu, a decoration placed at the entrance of homes to welcome ancestral spirits, is a quintessential symbol of the Japanese New Year. And the summer tradition of Tanabata “Star Festival” would not be complete without the branches of bamboo adorned with colorful paper strips inscribed with wishes.

The plum tree, called ume in Japanese, is admired for its strength and beauty, as it blooms first at the end of winter. Its flowers give way to fruits, often made into plum wine or pickled plums.

With its lively, winding trunks and delicate blossoms, the plum tree is a popular motif in Japanese art. It also symbolizes cleverness, being associated with the Japanese god of knowledge and stands as a familiar symbol of nobility.

The crane, known as tsuru in Japanese, is associated with longevity through the proverb, "A crane lives for a thousand years, a tortoise for ten thousand years," a belief originating from ancient China. As cranes are also symbols of eternal love, mating for life, the crane motif is especially meaningful as a wedding gift, symbolizing both long life and enduring devotion.

Hyotan, also known as hisago, is a traditional Japanese motif based on the bottle gourd. Historically, dried gourds were used as containers for water or sake, and they came to symbolize resourcefulness and abundance.

Its distinct shape makes it visually appealing, and is also seen as a talisman, believed to protect against water-related dangers according to ancient legends.

Additionally, it symbolizes wealth and prosperity, having been the emblem of the powerful Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a prominent feudal lord who played a crucial role in unifying Japan during the Sengoku period (1493 CE–1590 CE).

Tai “sea bream” is a symbol of good fortune with its resemblance to the word medetai, which means “happy” or “auspicious.” It serves as the perfect symbol when congratulating someone on a milestone, such as graduating from university or landing a new job.

If cooking with sea bream feels like a challenge, you can still share its good fortune by choosing dishware with a tai motif. It is a simple way to infuse joy, lightheartedness and luck into your special gift or celebratory dinner.

In Japan, tying a cord or knot holds deep significance, symbolizing the union of two things. Tying a knot on a gift expresses care and strengthens bonds with the recipient. The Japanese word for “knot” or “tying,” musubi, is also the name of our brand. In the Japanese art of knot tying, called mizuhiki, different knots convey specific meanings, such as celebration or expressing condolences.

The musubi-kiri knot, for instance, cannot be undone easily once tied, symbolizing an event that should not be repeated, such as weddings or funerals. The cho-musubi “butterfly knot,” on the other hand, is a bowknot that can be tied and untied multiple times, symbolizing repeatable happiness, and is ideal for birthdays or baby showers. The awaji-musubi “abalone knot,” known for its strength, represents lasting relationships and is often used in formal gifts.

In the West, owls are commonly associated with wisdom and knowledge, just as they do in Japan. An owl-themed item is a great gift idea for wishing someone good fortune in business.

In Japan, the owl is appreciated for much more than its wisdom. It can be used to wish someone happiness as its name can be seen as a combination of the word fuku (good luck) and kuru (to come), making the owl a symbol of forthcoming luck.

Owls are also seen as a symbol of marital bliss. They mate with the same partner every year, making them a fitting motif for weddings and anniversaries.

The maneki neko, or lucky cat, is a beloved symbol in Japan, believed to bring good fortune. Depending on which paw is raised, the cat’s image has a distinct meaning: the right paw attracts wealth, while the left invites guests. Some figurines have both paws raised for extra luck.

The color of the cat also symbolizes different blessings. For instance, a black maneki neko acts as a protector against evil, while a white maneki neko is associated with purity and optimism and happiness. And a gold cat, of course, bestows wealth and money.

A great item for cat lovers, it’s perfect for collecting in various colors and displaying them together for added charm!

The lucky motifs we have introduced are only a handful of the most popular ones. Japanese people have grown up with folklore and fairy tales that have been passed down through generations, and many of these motifs are considered as common knowledge. These lucky charms are a very nostalgic part of Japanese culture.

Items that incorporate these motifs are often chosen for their relevance to special occasions, such as New Year’s or graduations, and are a thoughtful way to wish someone luck. We hope that this information may be useful when you are looking for the perfect gift for that special someone.