What makes 3 san (三) a lucky number in Japan?

It is known that Japanese tend to be superstitious. There are certain things or circumstances that are uniquely explained sometimes through superstitious beliefs. One of those things are the concept about Lucky Numbers!  

Did you know that the number 3 is considered as one of the lucky numbers in Japan?

Below are some interesting situations that explains why number 3 san (三) might be indeed a LUCKY NUMBER!  

1. The 3 – second rule (さんびょうルール)

Have you heard about the 3-second food rule in Japan? This is a rule that distinguishes the dropped food in Japan.

Take for instance, when you are eating a candy or a snack, then, you suddenly dropped the food. They said that if there is no visible stain or dirt on the ground, the food is still free from bacteria within 3 seconds. Then, you can still eat it!

Japanese are so into the concept of Mottainai (もったいない) which is equivalent to “ What a waste!” This is a concept that conveys a regret over wasted items or things that can still be useful.

However, this is not applicable to sticky food such as ice cream, cakes, doughnuts, and other desserts.

Food is precious! This rule would be an effective way to break that awkward situation to someone or to your friend when you or they accidentally dropped their snack. It is such a waste to just throw it away when the rest of the world are dying and suffering of hunger, right? So, break that awkwardness and tell each other “Opps! 3 – second rule (さんびょうルール) Daijoubu!”

2. The 3 – minutes Ramen Rule ( カップラーメン3分待機)

Ramen or noodles is one of the staples or the most favorite food in Japan. It is a go to snack or meal. Are you Hungry but you are in a hurry? Just grab a ramen cup noodles!

But did you know that there’s a specific rule for cooking or preparing your ramen cup noodles in Japan?

They said that the perfect ramen cup noodles should be cooked exactly within 3 minutes. Beyond that time, it isn’t delicious anymore! So, please, be careful!

When you are preparing your cup noodles, to achieve that heavenly perfect Ramen Noodles, make sure to set your alarm in 3 minutes! (おいしい) Oishii!

3. The Swallowing of 3 people when nervous （3回“人”を飲み込む）

(Image courtesy of https://www.ohanabloom.co.jp/

What do you usually do when you are nervous? Do you want to know the secret of brave Japanese people when it comes to handling their fears? Let me spill the secret now!

They said that when Japanese are feeling nervous in certain situations such as stage fright, they do this ritual of writing a person three times on their palm and act as if you are swallowing those three people. We tend to get overwhelmed by people and the atmosphere.  We fear the people watching us on stage! It is believed that the best way to overcome your fear is to swallow that fear first so that you won’t be swallowed by it!

4. The 3 minutes Ultraman Fight （ウルトラマンの地球滞在時間3分）

Who doesn’t know Ultraman? The very famous Japanese Hero that we grew up watching for many years!

Have you ever wondered why Ultraman can easily defeat his enemies and can only fight within 3 minutes? Here’s the reason why!

Ultraman is not from planet Earth, so, basically, he is an alien! His power and energy source are solar energy and his time on earth is limited.

Ultraman has this thing called a “Color Timer” found on his chest. The timer is the device he is using to track the Earth’s atmosphere and solar energy. When the solar energy decreases, the timer will blink and beep. The color changes from blue to red indicating that his power is also decreasing!

But thou shall not worry! Since 3 is a lucky number in Japan, Ultraman can defeat any monster and will always be on time to save the day!

Saving Planet Earth in 3 minutes!