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Japanese superstitions are rooted in the culture and history of Japan and the Japanese people. Some Japanese superstitions are meant to teach lessons or serve as practical advice.

Some superstitions that are common in Japan have been imported from other cultures. The Japanese share superstitions with other Asian cultures, particularly the Chinese, with whom they share significant historical and cultural ties. The unluckiness of the number four is one such example, as the Japanese word for "four" 四 romaji: shi is a homophone for "death" kanji: 死. The same is true for Chinese, hanzi: 死 pinyin: sǐ, is also homophonous to "death." However, unlike most other countries, in Japan, a black cat crossing one's path is considered to bring good luck. A significant portion of Japanese superstition is related to language. Numbers and objects that have names that are homophones (Homophone#Japanese (Dōongo / Dōon Igigo)) for words such as "death" and "suffering" are typically considered unlucky (see also, Imikotoba). Other superstitions relate to the literal meanings of words. Another significant part of Japanese superstition has its roots in Japan's ancient pagan, animist culture and regards certain natural things as having kami. Thus, many Japanese superstitions involve beliefs about animals and depictions of animals bringing about good or bad fortune.

If a funeral hearse drives past, one must hide one's thumbs in a fist. The Japanese word for "thumb" literally translates as "parent finger". Hiding it is considered protection for one's parents. If this is not done, one's parents will die. In cars and racing, number 42 which sounds like shini (死に – to death) and 49, which sounds like shiku (死苦 a painful death) are avoided. When giving gifts such as plates, they are normally in sets of three or five, never four. Sleeping with head to the north results in a short life. (This is the way a body is laid out at funeral.) When sharing food, items should never be passed from chopstick to chopstick, as this is done only in a ceremony where bone fragments from cremated remains are placed in an urn.

Use of the Maneki Neko or "lucky cat". Many businesses such as shops or restaurants have figures of such beckoning cats, which are considered to be lucky and to bring in money and fortune. A spider seen in the morning means good luck so the spider should not be killed. If a spider is seen at night means bad luck so it should be killed. A crow's caw means something bad will happen. This can be anything from illness or accidents to death or natural disasters.