Unlocking the Mystery of One Fuji, Two Hawks, Three Eggplants
If you were to fall asleep on the night of January 1st and dream of a mountain, a bird of prey, or a purple vegetable, you might just be in for the best year of your life. In Western culture, dreams are often analyzed for psychological meaning, but in Japan, the first dream of the New Year, known as Hatsuyume (初夢), is a powerful predictor of fortune.
The most famous proverb associated with this tradition is “Ichi Fuji, Ni Taka, San Nasu”—meaning “One Fuji, Two Hawks, Three Eggplants.” At first glance, this list seems like a surreal, randomized collection of objects. However, deep within Japanese folklore and history lies a fascinating explanation for this auspicious trio.
The Origins of the Omen
To understand this proverb, we must travel back to the Edo period (1603–1867), an era of peace, artistic growth, and the consolidation of the shogunate. The saying is strongly associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, who united Japan.
Ieyasu spent much of his life in Suruga Province (modern-day Shizuoka Prefecture). Local historians and cultural experts believe that the “Fuji, Hawk, Eggplant” list was actually a ranking of things Ieyasu was fond of, or perhaps the most notable features of his home region of Suruga.
- Mount Fuji: The majestic backdrop of the region.
- Hawks: Ieyasu was an avid practitioner of falconry.
- Eggplants: A regional specialty of Suruga, specifically the early variety known as orido eggplants, which were considered a delicacy.
Over time, what started as a regional boast or a nod to the Shogun’s preferences evolved into a nationwide superstition regarding good luck.
Deciphering the Legend: Why This Trio?
While the connection to Tokugawa Ieyasu provides a historical context, the longevity of the superstition relies on wordplay and symbolism. In Japanese culture, Kotodama (the spirit of words) suggests that words hold mystical powers. This is often expressed through goroawase (Japanese wordplay).
1. Mount Fuji (Fuji)
Ranking first is Japan’s highest peak. Naturally, dreaming of a high mountain suggests rising above challenges and achieving lofty goals. However, the wordplay runs deeper. “Fuji” sounds like Buji (safety/well-being) and Fushi (immortality). To dream of the mountain is to be promised health, longevity, and safety for the year ahead.
2. The Hawk (Taka)
The hawk is a clever, strong bird that flies high. The Japanese word for hawk, Taka, is a homophon for Takai, meaning “high” or “tall.” Dreaming of a hawk symbolizes upward mobility, worldly advancement, and the vision to see things clearly from a higher perspective.
3. The Eggplant (Nasu)
This is the element that confuses travelers the most. Why a vegetable? In Japanese, the word for eggplant is Nasu. This is a homophone for the verb Nasu (成す), which means “to accomplish” or “to achieve.” Therefore, dreaming of an eggplant suggests that your hard work will bear fruit and you will accomplish your goals in the coming year.
The Forgotten Continuation
Many Japanese people know the top three, but few know the list continues. The proverb goes on: “Yon Sen, Go Tabako, Roku Zato” (Four Fans, Five Tobacco, Six Blind Acupuncturists). While obscure, these also relate to festivals and festivities, reinforcing the theme of celebration.
Modern Culture and Hatsuyume
Today, the tradition of Hatsuyume is still alive, though treated with a sense of lighthearted fun rather than strict superstition. You will often see motifs of Fuji, hawks, and eggplants on Nengajo (New Year’s greeting cards) and on the packaging of seasonal snacks in January.
Japanese pop culture, including anime and manga, frequently references the trope. Characters will often go to bed on New Year’s Eve frantically trying to induce a dream of Mt. Fuji, often with comedic results where they dream of eggplant monsters instead.
Traveler’s Tips for a Lucky New Year
If you are lucky enough to be in Japan during Shogatsu (New Year), here is how you can engage with this cultural phenomenon:
- Visit a Shrine: Keep an eye out for Omamori (amulets) at Shinto shrines that feature these three lucky symbols. They make excellent souvenirs that carry a story.
- Go to Shizuoka: Visit the home of the legend. You can visit the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, the original burial place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, where the symbolism of the hawk and Fuji is palpable.
- Eat the Lucky Food: While you can’t eat a hawk or a mountain, you can certainly enjoy eggplant dishes. Look for Nasu Dengaku (miso-glazed eggplant) at local Izakayas to internalize your luck.
- Place a Picture: An old superstition suggests placing a picture of the Takarabune (Treasure Ship) of the Seven Lucky Gods under your pillow to encourage good dreams.
Sources & Further Reading
To understand the deeper roots of Japanese mythology and the spiritual significance of nature (like Mt. Fuji), one should look to Japan’s oldest historical records. While the specific “Fuji-Hawk-Eggplant” proverb is from the Edo period, the animistic reverence for mountains is foundational in Shinto texts.
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Establish the mythological origins of the Japanese archipelago and the sacred nature of the land.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Provides further context on early imperial history and the significance of dreams in ancient governance.
- Edo-era Literature: Various woodblock prints and poetry collections from the 17th century first documented the specific connection between Ieyasu and the Suruga lucky items.