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

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."

Maybe they just finally decided that letting superstition control your life is just silly

Maybe there's hope for the rest of us too.

- Lucky 13

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_superstitions#Unlucky_Numbers

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.

But Fuji did release a X-A4 so it's not that surprising they went for the X-T4 name.

I was considering to buy a Fuji X-T4. But now that this issue with number four has come to light I do not know....... The camera might be dead before getting to me.......

Best, AIK

Something that I am quite sure of, is that the next X-H camera will be the X-H2😁😁😁

And my goal is to live to see at least the X-H4😂😂😂

Birdie

Nikon, also Japanese: D4 ...

Playstation4

alli69 wrote:

Maybe they just finally decided that letting superstition control your life is just silly

Maybe there's hope for the rest of us too.

- Lucky 13

The way this year is going so far, and with the impact that’s going to have on the XT4’s launch, I’m not so sure its going to prove the point you’re expecting 

Il Mostro wrote:

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.

Yes, lots of Pho 88 and 888's out there!