The crane holds deep cultural significance in Japan, appearing in art, kimono and obi patterns, origami, proverbs, and folklore. It is considered an auspicious creature, symbolizing positive attributes across many cultures. Graceful and elegant, the crane has long been admired for its beauty and mystique. In Japan, it represents:

1) Longevity

A well-known saying states, "A crane lives for a thousand years, a turtle for ten thousand," linking the crane with long life.

The red-crowned crane, or tanchozuru, is recognized for its distinctive red crest. This endangered species is native to eastern Hokkaido, with only about 4,000 remaining in the wild. In their natural habitat, they typically live 20–30 years, but in captivity, they can reach up to 50 years. Watching them dance across Hokkaido’s snow-covered fields is a breathtaking reminder of nature’s enduring beauty.

2) Fidelity

Cranes are known for their lifelong devotion to a single mate. Because of this, they are often featured in wedding ceremonies as symbols of fidelity and enduring love. Their courtship dance—marked by graceful bows and synchronized movements—is a poetic display of harmony between two souls.

3) Hope, Happiness & Good Fortune

During the Edo period, the availability of paper led to the rise of origami as a popular pastime. One of the most enduring traditions is folding senbazuru—a garland of a thousand paper cranes—symbolizing hope and collective strength. These garlands are often gifted to those facing hardships, as it is believed that folding a thousand cranes while praying can grant wishes. More than the number itself, it is the sincerity behind the act that holds significance.

Cranes are also thought to be divine messengers who deliver prayers. This belief was further reinforced by the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl from Hiroshima who developed leukemia due to radiation exposure from the 1945 atomic bombing. Hoping for recovery, she began folding paper cranes but passed away at the age of 12 before completing her goal. Her classmates folded the remaining 356 cranes in her honor. Today, her story continues to inspire people worldwide, cementing the crane’s role as a symbol of hope, resilience, and peace.

Even today, the crane remains a powerful symbol of longevity, hope, and good fortune in Japanese culture. Whether soaring through the sky or delicately folded from paper, the crane reminds us of life’s beauty, the strength of devotion, and the power of hope.

As the New Year begins, people around the world, including in the Philippines, are often cautious about various sayings and superstitions. It's a time when beliefs about luck, fortune, and omens take center stage. Many see this as an opportunity to attract good fortune and avoid bad luck for the year ahead.

In the Philippines, practices like jumping at midnight to grow taller, preparing 12 round fruits for prosperity, and wearing polka-dotted clothes to attract wealth are just a few examples. Similarly, Japan has its own superstitions that are deeply rooted in its culture and traditions, blending folklore, religion, and ancient customs. These beliefs continue to be observed by many, particularly during significant times of the year.

Here are some of the most common Japanese superstitions:

• Breaking a comb or the strap of a wooden sandal (geta): This is considered an omen of bad luck. If you've ever watched Japanese period dramas (Jidaigeki) set during the Edo period, you might have seen such incidents portrayed as harbingers of misfortune.

• Whistling or playing a flute at night: This is said to attract snakes. In this context, the "snakes" symbolize thieves. During the Edo period, thieves reportedly used whistling as a signal.

• Hiding your thumb when a hearse passes: When a funeral car drives by, you should hide your thumb in a fist. The Japanese word for the thumb, oyayubi, means "parent-finger," and hiding it is thought to protect your parents from death.

• Sleeping with your head pointed north: This is believed to shorten your lifespan. This superstition stems from funerary practices, where the deceased are laid with their heads facing north.

• Sticking chopsticks upright in a rice bowl: This is strictly avoided because it resembles a funeral ritual where chopsticks are placed upright in rice offered to the deceased.

• Passing food from chopstick to chopstick: This practice is also taboo, as it mimics a ritual where bones from cremated remains are transferred during a funeral ceremony.

• Cutting fingernails or toenails at night: Doing this is said to bring bad luck and prevent you from seeing your parents before they pass away. The superstition likely originated from the practical concern of injuring yourself in low light.

• Lying down immediately after a meal: According to this belief, you risk turning into a cow if you rest after eating. While meant as a playful warning, it encourages avoiding laziness. Interestingly, in the Philippines, this is associated with becoming a pig instead!

• Beckoning cats/Lucky cats (Maneki Neko): These cat figurines, commonly displayed in shops, are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.

Superstitions may seem irrational or supernatural, often rooted in elders' experiences and cultural practices that science cannot easily explain. However, they offer an important glimpse into a nation’s history, values, and collective mindset. Whether these beliefs arose out of practical warnings, religious traditions, or sheer imagination, they remain a fascinating part of daily life for many.

For some, superstitions are comforting rituals—a way to feel a sense of control in an unpredictable world. For others, they are an opportunity to reflect on cultural heritage and shared identity. Regardless of their origin, there is no harm in observing them. After all, even a small act like hiding your thumb or placing chopsticks correctly might bring peace of mind or brighten your day with the hope of good fortune. Who knows? These little gestures might just nudge fate in your favor and transform potential misfortunes into opportunities.