Have you ever noticed large wooden boards with tables of birth years displayed at Japanese shrines?
These are “Yakudoshi” (厄年) tables—a traditional Japanese belief marking certain years as “critical years” for one’s health and life balance.
While the word “unlucky” is often used, Yakudoshi is better understood as a cultural system for self-care and community support.
1. What is Yakudoshi?
Historically, Yakudoshi years are times when you are believed to be more vulnerable to life’s transitions.
In modern Japan, it serves as a gentle “alert system.” These years often coincide with major life changes—increased stress at work, family shifts, or physical changes.
It is a reminder from our ancestors to slow down, get a health check-up, and reflect on our well-being.
2. The Unique Age System: “Kazoe-doshi”
To read a Yakudoshi table, you must use the traditional Japanese counting system called “Kazoe-doshi.”
This is quite different from the Western “Man-nenrei” system.
- Born at Age 1: In Kazoe-doshi, you are considered 1 year old the moment you are born, as the time spent in the womb is respected.
- The New Year Shift: Everyone gains a year automatically on January 1st, regardless of their actual birthday.
Because of this, your Kazoe-doshi age is typically 1 or 2 years older than your actual age.
It is a uniquely Japanese way of synchronizing the entire community’s life cycle with the calendar year.
3. The 2026 Yakudoshi Chart (Western Calendar)
Here is the chart for the upcoming year, 2026.
If your birth year is listed here, you are entering your Yakudoshi cycle!
A Special Note on Age 61 (Kanreki): > You will notice that age 61 is listed for both men and women.
This is a significant milestone called “Kanreki.”
It marks the completion of one full zodiac cycle (60 years) and is traditionally celebrated as a “rebirth” or the beginning of a new chapter in life.
For Men
| Status | Age (Kazue-doshi) | Birth Year |
| Pre-unlucky | 24 | 2003 |
| Critical Year | 25 | 2002 |
| Post-unlucky | 26 | 2001 |
| Pre-unlucky | 41 | 1986 |
| Grand Critical Year | 42 | 1985 |
| Post-unlucky | 43 | 1984 |
| Pre-unlucky | 60 | 1967 |
| Critical Year | 61 | 1966 |
| Post-unlucky | 62 | 1965 |
For Women
| Status | Age (Kazue-doshi) | Birth Year |
| Pre-unlucky | 18 | 2009 |
| Critical Year | 19 | 2008 |
| Post-unlucky | 20 | 2007 |
| Pre-unlucky | 32 | 1995 |
| Grand Critical Year | 33 | 1994 |
| Post-unlucky | 34 | 1993 |
| Pre-unlucky | 36 | 1991 |
| Critical Year | 37 | 1990 |
| Post-unlucky | 38 | 1989 |
4. The Shrine’s Intent: Strategic Marketing or Spiritual Support?
When you see these prominent Yakudoshi charts, you might wonder, “Is this just a strategy to get people to pay for blessings?”
Shrines do require financial support to maintain their historic structures, so there is a practical side to it.
However, there is a much warmer message behind these tables. It is the shrine’s way of saying: “Since you are entering a challenging year, please come to us. We are here to protect you and pray for your safety.”
Paying for a ritual is more than a fee; it is a form of “mental self-care” that provides peace of mind.
By viewing it as a donation to preserve Japanese culture and a way to build a personal connection with the divine, the experience becomes much more meaningful.
5. Sharing the Burden: The “Zenzai” Tradition
In the Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, etc.), there is a heartwarming custom called “Zenzai-kubari.”
Instead of just praying for themselves, people in their Yakudoshi year prepare Zenzai (sweet red bean soup) and share it with friends and neighbors.
- The Red Color: Red beans are believed to ward off evil.
- Distributing the Burden: By treating others to something sweet, you are “sharing” your potential troubles with the community, turning them into a positive act of kindness.
While different regions have different customs—some share rice cakes or even toss coins—the spirit remains the same: Don’t carry your worries alone. Spread them through generosity.
Summary
If you see your birth year on a shrine board, don’t panic! It’s simply a signal to take a deep breath and perhaps share some sweets with your friends.
In Japan, Yakudoshi is not just about avoiding bad luck; it’s about acknowledging life’s transitions and feeling protected by your community and the gods.