I'm surprised Fuji used the number '4' when naming the X-T4

CaNikonianite wrote:

My first introduction to Fuji was the S3 Pro. I LOVED that camera. But it was an exercise in patience and frustration as it was painfully slow.

When my camera became obsolete and it was time for Fuji to release a new camera body, I was surprised they named it S5 Pro. I thought, "hmmm...that's interesting." Turns out, according to what I read, the number '4' was taboo in the Japanese culture. Don't quote me, but I think the number had something to do with death or something morbid. Hence, no 'S4 Pro.'

I thought for sure they would go the same route when it was time to replace the X-T3. But lo and behold, the X-T4 was announced! So now, again, I'm left scratching my head and repeating myself with "hmmm...that's interesting."

I hadn't thought of it, but you raise an interesting point. The number 4 (shi) is associated with death. This is why if you buy sets of anything from chopsticks, plates/bowls, cups, etc in Japan they are usually sold in sets of 5.

Similar numerological superstitions exist in other Asian countries. My Alfa Romeo 164 was sold as the 168 in Asia - not only avoiding the stigma of the number 4, but flipping the script by using 8 which is fortuitous number. I remember the exodus from Hong Kong to the US and Canada when people were driving up the price of houses with the number 8 in the address -- the more 8's the better. Same thing goes for phone numbers, license plates, etc.

My wife is Japanese - very well educated and very successful. Yet, these types of cultural idiosyncracies remain. Good thing I know to never park my chopsticks in the rice bowl.