“Let’s pick a Taian day for the wedding.” “Maybe we should avoid a Butsumetsu day for the move.” If you have ever planned a wedding, a move or a grand opening in Japan, you have probably heard comments like these. Japanese calendars mark each day with a small label such as “大安” or “仏滅,” but many people are not sure what those labels mean or how they are decided.
In this guide, we explain what Rokuyo is and how to read it in plain terms. You will learn the meaning of the six days - Taian, Butsumetsu and the rest - how they are linked to the lunar calendar, and how to check them when planning events.
What is Rokuyo?
Rokuyo (六曜) is a traditional Japanese system that assigns a fortune to each day. The name literally means “six days,” because the same six labels repeat in a fixed cycle.
| Rokuyo | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Sensho | 先勝 | Lucky in the morning, unlucky in the afternoon. Early is better |
| Tomobiki | 友引 | Lucky in the morning, unlucky at dusk. “Pulling friends” |
| Senbu | 先負 | Unlucky in the morning, lucky in the afternoon. Avoid conflict |
| Butsumetsu | 仏滅 | The worst of the six. “The day even Buddha dies” |
| Taian | 大安 | Good for everything. The most auspicious day |
| Shakko | 赤口 | Lucky only around noon; unlucky otherwise |
The six labels always follow the same order on the calendar: Sensho, Tomobiki, Senbu, Butsumetsu, Taian, Shakko.
Pronunciation: Taian is "tai-an," Butsumetsu is "bu-tsu-me-tsu," and Shakko is "shak-ko." Tomobiki is "to-mo-bi-ki."
How is Rokuyo determined?
Rokuyo is based on the lunar calendar (the traditional lunisolar calendar), which follows the phases of the moon and can run about a month behind the modern solar calendar.
Each day of the lunar month is tied to a fixed Rokuyo - for example, the first day of the first lunar month is Sensho, and the seventh is Taian. Because the gap between the lunar and solar calendars shifts every year, the same solar date can have different Rokuyo in different years.
Good to know: because Rokuyo follows the lunar calendar, you cannot work it out from a solar calendar alone. Use a calendar that shows Rokuyo, or a dedicated tool, to check a specific date.
How are Taian and Butsumetsu used?
Rokuyo matters most when planning ceremonies and events. The common customs are:
| Event | Preferred days | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Weddings & registering a marriage | Taian | Considered good for everything |
| Moving & opening a business | Taian, Sensho | Good for starting something new |
| Celebrations (Shichi-Go-San, etc.) | Taian, Tomobiki | “Pulling friends” draws good fortune |
| Funerals | Avoid Tomobiki | “Pulling friends” is thought to draw misfortune |
Heads up: the fortunes assigned by Rokuyo are **traditional customs, not science**. Treat them as a reference, and feel free to prioritize your own schedule and practical needs. Views also differ by region and religion.
How to check Rokuyo on a calendar
There are several ways to find the Rokuyo for a date:
- Look at a Japanese calendar: most household calendars and planners in Japan print the Rokuyo in small text under each date
- Check your phone’s calendar app: some apps can display Rokuyo
- Use a Rokuyo calendar tool: enter a date and see the Rokuyo, lunar date and more at once
Checking the Rokuyo of a future date (for example, the next Taian six months away) is easiest with a tool, since paper calendars often do not show next year’s Rokuyo.
How to use the Tools Hub Rokuyo calendar tool
The Tools Hub Rokuyo & lunar date tool shows the Rokuyo for any date you pick, along with the lunar date, Chinese zodiac and solar terms. The date you enter never leaves your browser.
How to use it (three steps)
Pick a date
Choose a date with the picker, or press "Today" to jump to the current date.
Check the Rokuyo and lunar date
The Rokuyo (Taian, Butsumetsu...), lunar date, Chinese zodiac and solar term appear instantly.
Use it when planning
Keep the result in mind when choosing dates for weddings, moves and other events. Future dates are easy to check too.
The tool from this guide
Rokuyo Calendar & Lunar Date
Free, no sign-up required, and everything runs in your browser.
Summary
- Rokuyo is a traditional system of daily fortunes with six labels: Sensho, Tomobiki, Senbu, Butsumetsu, Taian and Shakko
- Taian is “good for everything”; Butsumetsu is considered the worst day
- Rokuyo is determined by the lunar calendar, not the solar calendar
- Weddings favor Taian; funerals avoid Tomobiki, among other customs
- Rokuyo is tradition, not science - treat it as a reference
- For future dates, a dedicated tool is the easiest way to check
Rokuyo is a centuries-old part of Japanese daily life. Knowing what the labels mean makes reading a Japanese calendar much more interesting. Next time you plan something important, keep it in mind as a handy reference.
FAQ
How do you pronounce the six Rokuyo?
Rokuyo means “six days.” Taian is “tai-an,” Butsumetsu is “bu-tsu-me-tsu,” Tomobiki is “to-mo-bi-ki,” Sensho is “sen-sho,” Senbu is “sen-bu,” and Shakko is “shak-ko.”
When is the next Taian day?
Taian appears several times a month, set by the lunar calendar. Since you cannot tell from a solar calendar alone, check a Rokuyo calendar or a dedicated tool for the exact date.
Why is Butsumetsu avoided?
Butsumetsu means “the day even Buddha dies” and is considered the most unlucky of the six. It is often avoided for weddings, moves and other new beginnings - though this is traditional custom rather than fact.
Is there any scientific basis for Rokuyo?
No. The fortunes are an old folk tradition with no scientific backing. Treat them as a cultural reference and feel free to prioritize your own practical schedule.
