Yakudoshi: What Bad-Luck Years Mean and How Shrines Help You Ward Them Off

Yakudoshi: What Bad-Luck Years Mean and How Shrines Help You Ward Them Off

You may have heard of "Yakudoshi" (literally “calamitous years”), but many people are unsure what it really means.

Yakudoshi refers to ages traditionally considered unlucky in Japan. It's common to visit a shrine to receive a purification ritual to ward off bad luck.

In this article, we’ll explain the meaning, ages, origin, and how to deal with Yakudoshi in a simple way.

What is Yakudoshi?

Yakudoshi refers to specific ages thought to be turning points in life, when people may be more prone to misfortune. These years often coincide with major physical or social changes.

Origins of Yakudoshi

The concept dates back to Japan’s Heian period and is rooted in Onmyodo (Yin-Yang philosophy) and Buddhist beliefs. These turning points in life were seen as more vulnerable to misfortune.

Which Ages Are Considered Yakudoshi?

Yakudoshi ages are counted using "kazoe-doshi" (traditional Japanese age, which adds a year at birth and another at New Year). Typical Yakudoshi ages are as follows (may vary slightly by shrine):

  • Men: 25, 42 (major Yakudoshi), 61
  • Women: 19, 33 (major Yakudoshi), 37

What Happens During Yakudoshi?

Misfortune doesn't only mean illness or accidents. Yakudoshi includes various life challenges such as:

  • Physical health issues
  • Family or workplace troubles
  • Big life changes like moving or changing jobs
  • Mental stress or anxiety

These don’t happen to everyone, but it's important to be mindful and cautious during these years.

How to Spend Your Yakudoshi Years

  1. Visit a shrine for purification rituals

    Many people visit shrines between New Year and Setsubun (early February) to receive Yakuyoke (evil-warding) prayers for peace of mind and spiritual protection.

  2. Take care of your mind and body

    Get enough rest, eat well, and manage stress. Avoid pushing yourself too hard.

  3. Reflect on your environment and relationships

    Take this as an opportunity to strengthen bonds with trusted people and reconsider your lifestyle choices.

Yakudoshi is not a “bad year”

It’s better to view Yakudoshi as a time of reflection and transformation. It can be a chance to reset and begin a new chapter in your life.

Conclusion

Yakudoshi is a part of Japanese cultural wisdom—an opportunity to take care of yourself at key moments in life. Even if you feel uneasy, simply being mindful and cautious can help you avoid trouble. Visiting a shrine for purification can offer peace and a fresh start for the year ahead.