Luck and Fortune

 1. Today's Japanese words

Japanese Basic Vocabulary about Luck and Fortune (Romaji) General terms: Un: Luck, fortune (運) Kōun: Good luck, fortune (幸運) Akuun: Bad luck, misfortune (悪運) Saiwai: Happiness, fortune, good luck (幸せ) Engimono: Lucky charm, talisman (縁起物) Verbs: Megumu: To bless, to give good luck (恵む) Negau: To pray for, to wish for good luck (願う) Matsu: To wait for, to hope for good luck (待つ) Inoru: To pray for, to supplicate for good luck (祈る) Adjectives: Engigaii: Lucky, auspicious (縁起がいい) Utsukushī: Beautiful, elegant (美しい) (can indirectly symbolize good fortune) Kawaii: Cute, adorable (可愛い) (often associated with lucky charms) Tsuyoi: Strong, powerful (強い) (can represent overcoming challenges and achieving good fortune) Shiawase: Happy, fortunate (幸せな) Specific terms: Omamori: Amulet, charm blessed at shrines or temples (お守り) Maneki Neko: Beckoning cat, symbol of prosperity and business success (招き猫) Omikuji: Paper fortune drawn at shrines or temples (おみくじ) Daruma: Rolling doll representing perseverance and goal achievement (だるま) Kitsune: Fox, mythical creature associated with good luck and mischief (狐) Kami: Gods or spirits, often associated with specific blessings and fortunes (神) Goninbayashi: Five-man band playing at shrines or temples, believed to bring good luck (五人囃子) Phrases: Ganbatte kudasai! (頑張れ！): Good luck! Shiawase o inoru. (幸せを祈る): I pray for your happiness (good luck). Un ga ii desu ne! (運がいいですね！): You're lucky! Engi ga ii desu ne! (縁起がいいですね！): That's a good omen! Kami no megumi desu. (神の恵みです): It's a blessing from the gods. 2. Today's topic Japanese culture is infused with rich traditions and beliefs surrounding luck and good fortune. Lucky Items: Maneki Neko: These adorable beckoning cats, often seen with raised paws, are symbols of prosperity and business success. Their colour and paw position determine the type of luck they bring, with red attracting customers and gold inviting wealth. Omamori: These amulets, found in shrines and temples, are blessed for specific purposes like health, good fortune, or academic success. Carrying them close or placing them in specific locations enhances their effectiveness. Omikuji: These paper fortunes offer messages based on random draws. Good fortunes are kept close, while bad ones are tied to designated areas to release negativity. Koi: Fish, particularly carp (koi), represent perseverance and abundance. Koi streamers often decorate homes and festivals, symbolizing overcoming challenges and achieving success. Cranes: These elegant birds symbolize longevity, happiness, and good health. Folded paper cranes (Senbazuru) hold special significance, with 1,000 cranes said to grant a wish. Lucky Behaviours: New Year's Traditions: Many rituals usher in good fortune during the New Year. Eating specific foods like osechi-ryori for longevity and prosperity, visiting shrines and temples for first prayers, and avoiding unlucky activities like nail-cutting ensure a blessed year. Respect and Politeness: Showing courtesy and consideration towards others is believed to attract positive karma and good fortune. Behaving humbly and thanking others are valued aspects of Japanese etiquette. Cleanliness and Order: Maintaining a tidy and organized environment is seen as inviting positive energy and fostering good luck. This philosophy extends to personal hygiene and respecting public spaces. Numerology: Certain numbers hold auspicious meanings. The number 8, for example, signifies prosperity and abundance, while 7 represents success and wisdom. Choosing dates or phone numbers based on lucky numbers is a common practice. Additionally: Many superstitions exist around everyday occurrences, like seeing a shooting star or dreaming of Mount Fuji. Lucky symbols adorn clothing, accessories, and household items. Temples and shrines often have specific rituals or practices believed to bring good fortune in different areas of life. 3- Today’s news Japan’s biggest girl group AKB48 launches new Malaysian sister group — KLP48 (VIDEO) https://www.malaymail.com/news/showbiz/2024/01/02/japans-biggest-girl-group-akb48-launches-new-malaysian-sister-group-klp48-video/110218 Japan Airlines: Hundreds survive after plane bursts into flames on Tokyo runway https://www.bbc.com/news/world-67862011 The coastguard aircraft - a De Havilland Dash 8 turboprop - was heading to help with rescue and relief efforts following Monday's earthquake in Ishikawa. It was one of four planes on a mission to the quake site. the five coastguard crew members had died and said the pilot was severely injured.