While “358” is popular, “42” and “49” are permanent numbers… Secrets of “automobile license plate numbers” that you may not know.

A quarter of a century has already passed since the desired number system was introduced, under which drivers can choose any number they like for the four digits of their license plate numbers.

The desired number system started at the same time as the classification numbers changed from two digits, such as “Yokohama 35” and “Shinagawa 33,” to three digits, such as “Yokohama 310” and “Shinagawa 302. For regular cars, the system started in May 1998 in some areas such as Yokohama and Nagoya. Subsequently, the system was launched nationwide in May 1999, with minicars (private cars only) being implemented nationwide a little later, in 2005.

There are two types of license plate numbers: “desired numbers,” which are assigned in advance, and “general dispensed numbers,” which are automatically assigned at the time of registration. For the desired numbers, those with a large number of applicants will be selected by lottery. For example, there are 13 lottery numbers, including “7,” which is considered a lucky number, and “8,” which is considered auspicious because it is the last number in a long line. Specifically, there are “1”, “7”, “8”, “88”, “333”, “555”, “777”, “888”, “1111”, “3333”, “5555”, “7777”, and “8888”, which are popular numbers throughout Japan. In addition to these, there are also cases where lottery numbers are designated in each region.

Since once a car number is used, it is never used for another car, the number of lottery numbers will inevitably increase in areas with a large number of car registrations. In this issue, automotive journalist Kumiko Kato explains the “surprisingly popular numbers” and their reasons, excluding the aforementioned numbers and others.

Experts tell us about “popular numbers for kei cars.

The most common number for kei cars (private cars only) is “2525” (niconico), which is designated as a lottery number in 13 districts throughout Japan, including Mito, Utsunomiya, Omiya, Shiga, Kyoto, and Nara. A unique number is “3776,” which is the lottery number for the commonly known Mt. Fuji’s elevation.

The lottery numbers are subject to change, depending on the number of applicants. In the past, “2020 (Tokyo Olympics)” and “2000 (Millennium)” were designated, but these numbers have been removed from the list because the number of applicants for these numbers has been decreasing dramatically.

By the way, did you know that there is a number that has been rapidly increasing in the desired numbers for the past 10 years?

The number is “358. According to a survey by the National Automobile Plate Association (hereafter, “Plate Association”), “358” has been the most requested license plate number for minicars in recent years. In 2009, the number was designated as a lottery number in Nagoya City. In fact, according to the website of the “desired number/design license plate application service” operated by the Mark Plate Association, “358” ranked fourth in the December 30, 2012 Nagoya City lottery numbers, following “1,” “8,” and “11.

So what does “358” mean? According to Ryota Chou, who uses numerology and card readings using numbers such as car numbers to divine fortune in money and love,

According to Ryota Chou, “In Kabbalah numerology, which is the origin of Western astrology and tarot cards, ‘358’ is a number that can be expected to increase work and money fortunes. In Kabbalah numerology, which originated in Western astrology and tarot cards, ‘358’ is a number that can be used to improve one’s work and money. ‘3’ is a number that allows one to make full use of one’s sociability and connections.

He also said, “The ‘3’ is a number that allows us to fully utilize our social and human network. It is also significant that Shokan Kobayashi, a psychologist and author of numerous works, has publicized “358” as an auspicious number in his books and lectures. In feng shui, “3: money and development,” “5: fortune and emperor,” and “8: the best number” are considered to be the reasons for its popularity, as well as the fact that it is a lucky number in feng shui.

There are other reasons for the increase in the number besides feng shui.

There is another reason why the number “358” is increasing. When the author asked 30 drivers with the license plate number “358” through his social networking service why, more than 60% said “because it is a lucky number,” while the remaining 40% said “I didn’t particularly want it, but it had the number 358 on it. It is almost a miracle that a 358 number would be found in a general payout by chance. …… What does this mean?

As we proceeded with our interview, we found the answer. When we asked several dealership salespeople, they all gave us the same answer.

We are sorry if we cause grief to customers who have gone to the trouble of purchasing a new car from our dealership only to deliver it with a strange number, so we give a 358 to customers who do not have a desired number. Recently, the number 3588, which ends in an 8, has been increasing as a more auspicious number.

This was the answer. Incidentally, strange numbers include “4219 (to die),” “4215 (to go to die),” “9696 (hard work),” “9646 (suffering),” and “3396 (hard work),” among others. In Japan, the numbers “42” and “49” are not available for general issuance because of bad luck, but they can be selected for desired numbers.

The choice of desired number is not limited to the purchase of a new car. You can also choose a new license plate number if you want to change your vehicle’s name (transfer registration) due to a change of jurisdiction, change of address (change registration) due to relocation, if your current license plate is damaged or defaced, or if you just want to change your license plate number. If you have a chance, why not choose your own license plate number?