The “lucky 5 yen” in Japan is considered a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. The association of the 5-yen coin (pronounced “go-en” in Japanese) with luck comes from the way “go-en” sounds similar to the word for destiny or good connections (“go-un”). As a result, the 5-yen coin is often seen as a token of good luck and positive energy.
People in Japan may carry a 5-yen coin for good fortune or place it in specific locations, such as inside wallets, purses, or near a cash register in a business, to attract prosperity. Some also use it as an offering at Shinto shrines or as a gesture of goodwill.