Many people worry about choosing a license plate number when purchasing a car. Recently, there are public parking areas where cars are identified by their license plate and fees are paid, and more and more people are choosing their car’s license plate number when purchasing a car. License plates are not just a series of numbers; they are also said to express the car’s personality and influence its fortune. In this article, we will explain in detail how to choose a license plate number, numbers that are considered to be auspicious, numbers that are considered good in feng shui, and even recommended four-digit numbers.
How to determine car license plates
When deciding on a license plate number for your car, you basically have the option of either using the number assigned by your local government, or applying for a number of your own choice. By using the preferred number system, you can choose any number you like, such as your birthday, anniversary, or lucky number. To obtain your preferred number, you must complete the procedure online or at the Land Transport Bureau. Generally, popular numbers are determined by lottery, so you may not always be able to get the number you want. However, by preparing multiple options in advance, you can increase your chances of getting a number close to your desired one.
Types of license plates and how to decide them
There are two main types of license plates: “lottery numbers” and “general desired numbers.”
Lottery numbers are popular numbers that are in high demand. These include numbers that are repeated, such as “1” or “7777,” or specific mnemonics. If you win the lottery, you can get the number you want.
On the other hand, general preferred numbers are numbers that are not subject to lottery. You can freely combine area names, classification numbers, and four-digit numbers. However, there are some numbers that cannot be used.
Nationwide lottery desired numbers
There are many areas designated as lottery preferred numbers.
…1
…7
…
8
…88
…333
…555 …
777 …
888 1111
2019
2020
3333
5555
7777
8888
Regular car lottery preferred number
| Sapporo | …3, …11, 1122 |
|---|---|
| Chiba | …3, 1122 |
| Narashino | …3 |
| Omiya | …3, …5, …11, …55, …77, 1122, 1188, 2525 |
| Shinagawa | …3, …5, …6, …9, …10, …11, …18, …33, …55, …77, …111, 1000, 1001, 1010, 1122, 1188, 2525, 8008 |
| Adachi | …3, …5, …11, …55, …77, 1122 |
| Nerima | …3, …5, …11, …55, …77, 1122 |
| Tama | …3, …5, …11, …55, …77, 1122 |
| Yokohama | 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 18, 33, 55, 77, 111, 123, 1000, 1001, 1010, 1122, 1188, 1212, 2525, 7000, 8000, 8008 |
| Nagoya | 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 18, 23, 33, 55, 77, 111, 123, 1000, 1001, 1010, 1122, 1188, 2525, 7788, 8008 |
| triple | …3 |
| Gifu | …3, …5, …11, …55, 1122, 1188, 8008 |
| Osaka | 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 18, 33, 55, 77, 111, 123, 1000, 1001, 1010, 1122, 1188, 2525, 5678, 7788, 8000, 8008, 9999 |
| Naniwa | …3, …5, …11, …33, …55, …77, …111, 1000, 1001, 8008 |
| Izumi | …3, …5, …11, …55, …77, …111, 1000, 1001, 8008 |
| Kyoto | …3, …5, …11, …33, …55, …77, …111, …123, 1000, 1001, 1122, 1188, 8008 |
| Nara | …3,8008 |
| Shiga | …3,8008 |
| Kobe | 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 18, 33, 55, 77, 111, 123, 1000, 1001, 1010, 1122, 1123, 1188, 1212, 2525, 7788, 8000, 8008, 8118, 9999 |
| Himeji | 8008 |
| Okayama | …3, …5, …11 |
| Fukuoka | …3, …5, …33 |
Regular car lottery preferred number
Light vehicle lottery desired number
| Sapporo | 2525 |
|---|---|
| Mito | 2525 |
| Utsunomiya | 2525 |
| Omiya | 2525 |
| Tokorozawa | 2525 |
| Kumagaya | 1122, 2525 |
| Mount Fuji | 3776 |
| Gifu | …3, …5, 2525, 8008 |
| Izumi | …3, …5, 111, 1000, 1001, 8008 |
| Shiga | …3, …5, …11, 2525, 8008 |
| Kyoto | …3, …5, …11, …77, …111, 1000, 2525, 8008 |
| Nara | …3, …5, 2525 |
| Kobe | 2525, 8008 |
| Himeji | 2525, 8008 |
| Hiroshima | 1001 |
| Okayama | 2, 3, 5, 11, 33, 123, 1001, 1122, 2525, 8008 |
Light vehicle lottery desired number
Reference: Preferred Number/Design License Plate Application Service
The basics of how to determine car numbers
How to obtain a license plate number and the procedures
You can obtain a license plate for your car when purchasing a new or used car, or when changing ownership. You can ask a dealer or an administrative scrivener to do it for you, or you can do it yourself at the Land Transport Bureau. To do this, you will need to gather the necessary documents such as your vehicle inspection certificate and seal certificate, and submit an application form.
Overview of the Preferred Number System
The Preferred Number System is a system that allows you to choose your favorite four-digit number for your license plate. There are numbers that are subject to a lottery and general preferred numbers, and the most popular numbers are drawn by lottery. To obtain your preferred number, you will need to pay a separate fee when applying.
When you can use the preferred number system
- When registering for the first time
- When changing the name (transfer registration) that involves a change of jurisdiction or changing the address (change registration) due to relocation
- If your current license plate is damaged or defaced
- Applies to registered cars and light vehicles. However, only privately owned cars (excluding rental cars and vehicles owned by stationed military personnel and civilian employees) are eligible for the light vehicle plan.
- Motorcycles are not included
Preferred number
- Only the Arabic numerals (1 to 9999) of four digits or less can be freely selected.
*Regional name display, classification number, and hiragana cannot be selected.
Reference: What is a preferred number? National Automobile License Plate Council
How to choose a good car number plate according to Feng Shui
Characteristics of auspicious numbers
In Feng Shui, each number has its own meaning and is said to be auspicious or inauspicious. Generally, numbers such as 1, 3, 5, 6, and 8 are considered auspicious. While particularly auspicious numbers vary by culture and region, in Japan, “8” and “7” are particularly popular. Because “8” represents a broad outlook and symbolizes infinite possibilities, it is favored by those seeking business and personal prosperity. Seven is also widely known as a lucky number, believed to bring good fortune and happiness. Conversely, numbers such as “4” and “9” are often avoided. Four is associated with “death,” and nine represents “suffering,” making them unlucky. Choosing these auspicious numbers can provide drivers with a sense of mental security.
The difference between 4-digit and 3-digit numbers and how to decide them
It is common to choose a four-digit number for your desired number, but three-digit numbers are also possible in some areas. If you choose a four-digit number, it is important to consider the meaning of each number when combining them. If you choose a three-digit number, it is also recommended to choose an auspicious word that uses a mnemonic.
Auspicious number combinations
There are various combinations of numbers that are considered auspicious in Feng Shui, for example, “168” is read as “one way start” and means that everything will go smoothly. “28” means “increased financial luck” and “328” means “business development”, so you can choose the number that best suits your purpose.
Prohibited numbers
Numbers to avoid
Numbers that are associated with death or suffering, such as 42 and 49, are generally avoided. Also, certain numbers may be prohibited in some areas, so it’s important to check beforehand.
Unlucky numbers
From the perspective of Feng Shui and fortune telling, there are numbers that are considered unlucky. For example, the number “4” is often associated with “death” and is therefore avoided. However, these numbers are merely one way of thinking and are not absolute.
The relationship between fortune telling and numbers
The destiny of numbers in fortune telling
Some fortune tellers use numbers derived from a person’s date of birth and name to predict their fate and fortune. It is said that choosing numbers based on the results of fortune telling can also bring about a better future when choosing a license plate number for your car.
Number selection based on fortune telling
When choosing numbers based on fortune-telling results, it is important to follow the advice of the fortune-teller. By incorporating the opinions of experts rather than just your own wishes, you can make a more effective number selection.
How to increase your chances of winning
Among the desired numbers, the most popular numbers will be drawn by lottery. To increase your chances of winning, it is effective to prepare multiple candidates or apply on an auspicious date.
Number mnemonics and numbers
Popular mnemonics for numbers
Many people choose license plate numbers based on a mnemonic. For example, “1122” means “good couple” and “2525” means “smiley face.” By choosing positive words, you can feel cheerful every time you get in your car.
License plate mnemonics
In addition to the four-digit number on license plates, mnemonics that combine area names and classification numbers are also popular. You can also enjoy unique mnemonics that are unique to each region, such as “Shonan 530” and “Shinagawa 39.”
Angel numbers are considered to be auspicious numbers
If you want to choose a lucky number, we recommend the following numbers.
- 1 : The number that symbolizes number one, beginnings, and success.
- 3 : Considered a sacred number since ancient times, it is said to bring good luck.
- 5 : It is reminiscent of the pentagram and is said to have the effect of warding off evil and increasing financial luck.
- 7 : Widely known as lucky seven, it is a symbol of good fortune.
- 8 : A number that widens and represents development and prosperity.
By combining these numbers, you can create even more auspicious numbers. For example, “358” is a popular auspicious combination that means “increasing financial luck.”
Recommended 4-digit preferred number
Choosing your car’s numbers based on feng shui is believed to improve your car’s fortune and bring good luck. Feng shui recommends specific four-digit combinations, as different combinations of numbers generate different energies. For example, “1688” means “one way, one way, one way” and is ideal for those seeking business success. “1314” can also be interpreted as “a lifetime, one life,” symbolizing eternal love and longevity. “8866” can also be interpreted as “a lifetime, one way, one way,” representing the uninterrupted flow of financial luck. Furthermore, “2828” can also be interpreted as “a grin,” bringing smiles and happiness. Choosing these numbers based on feng shui will ensure you feel positive energy every time you get in your car.
Numbers that attract good luck
Lucky four-digit numbers
There are various four-digit numbers that are said to bring good luck, but some of the most common are repeating numbers such as “7777” and “8888”, as well as numbers that are considered auspicious according to feng shui, such as “168” and “888”.
1111
Reason : This number symbolizes unity and new beginnings. 1111 means “a new start” and is said to have the power to support positive change and goal achievement. It is also known as an angel number and is often seen as a message from angels or the universe.
2222
Why : It is a number that represents harmony and balance. 2222 symbolizes peace and stability in life and has the power to bring harmony to relationships and partnerships. It also provides positive energy and hope during difficult times.
1234
Reason : 1234 is a number that symbolizes progression and growth. This sequence shows things progressing in stages, representing new beginnings and progress. It means that your efforts will bear fruit and your plans will proceed smoothly.
2468
Reason : 2468 represents balance and harmony. The succession of even numbers represents an overall sense of stability and harmony. This number suggests that things will go smoothly and balance will be maintained.
7890
Why : 7890 symbolizes continuity and the transition from endings to new beginnings. This indicates a good time to let go of the old and embrace a new beginning. It brings you the energy to start a new chapter in your life.
Popular lucky numbers
Popular lucky numbers change over time and by region. Recently, numbers that sound auspicious because of their puns, such as “358” and “512,” have become popular.
- 1188 : It is pronounced “ichiichihappa” and is considered auspicious as it widens at the end.
- 2525 : Pronounced “Nico Nico,” this is a positive number that evokes smiles.
- 8008 : A combination of numbers that is “expanding” and means “eternity.”
- 8888 : This is an auspicious number in Feng Shui that means “great fortune in terms of money.”
These numbers are recommended because they are easy to remember and look nice.
Top 10 most popular desired numbers
3 number
| Ranking | Preferred number |
|---|---|
| 1st place | …1 |
| 2nd place | …8 |
| 3rd place | …3 |
| 4th place | …5 |
| 5th place | 8888 |
| 6th place | …7 |
| 7th place | 11 |
| 8th place | 8008 |
| 9th place | 1122 |
| 10th place | 55 |
Reference: National Automobile License Plate Council, 2019
5 number
| Ranking | Preferred number |
|---|---|
| 1st place | 2525 |
| 2nd place | 1122 |
| 3rd place | …1 |
| 4th place | …8 |
| 5th place | …3 |
| 6th place | 1188 |
| 7th place | 8888 |
| 8th place | 1010 |
| 9th place | ·one two three |
| 10th place | 1001 |
Reference: National Automobile License Plate Council, 2019
What if I can’t think of the number I want?
Some people also use personal numbers, such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries, or cell phone numbers, but some people may feel a little uncomfortable putting personal information on their cards.
summary
When choosing a license plate number for your car, it can have more meaning than just a combination of numbers. Choosing numbers based on auspicious numbers or feng shui can increase the chances of bringing peace of mind and good fortune to the driver. Take advantage of the preferred license plate number system to choose the number that’s best for you and enjoy a car life that brings you good fortune.
