Kin no unko
In its own language: 金のうんこ
from Japanese kin no unko, a pun on golden poo and good luck
A Japanese charm shaped like faeces that is believed to bring good fortune
Kin no unko is a lucky symbol from Japan. The name is a pun meaning both golden poo and good luck. Millions of mobile charms were sold by 2006.
- Name is a pun on golden poo and good luck
- 2.7 million charms sold by 2006
- Emoji added to Unicode in summer 2014
- Asahi Beer Hall flame ornament nicknamed similarly
- Featured in Zelda and WarioWare games
What it is
Kin no unko is a Japanese cultural object designed to attract good fortune. It takes the form of a small golden faeces shape. The term serves as a linguistic pun in Japanese, linking the visual of golden waste with the concept of luck. This dual meaning makes it a popular novelty item for those seeking positive outcomes.
Where it comes from
The charm originated in Japan as a playful take on traditional luck symbols. By 2006, sales reached 2.7 million units, primarily as mobile phone accessories. The design gained wider recognition when an emoji version called unchi was added to Unicode in summer 2014. Its popularity extended beyond Japan through online retailers like ThinkGeek.
How it is done
People carry the charm on phones or display it at home. The practice relies on the symbolic power of the pun rather than complex rituals. Users believe that possessing the golden shape invites prosperity into their daily lives.
Tools and materials
The primary tool is the physical charm itself, often made of gold-colored plastic or metal. It attaches to mobile devices or bags. The digital version appears as an emoji on compatible screens, allowing users to send luck digitally.
Kin no unko, drawn and placed
- Living
- Revived
- Fading
- Historical
- Legendary
- Performed
- Lineage
- Japanese folk luck charm
What it is for
Users seek general good luck and financial success. The charm is particularly associated with monetary gain due to its golden appearance. It is used by ordinary people looking for a lighthearted way to invite positive energy.
Who does it
Ordinary households and mobile phone users employ this charm. There are no specialized priests or shamans involved. It is a secular folk practice accessible to anyone who purchases or creates the item.
Peoples and places
The tradition is firmly rooted in Japan. It reflects a unique aspect of Japanese humor and superstition. While known internationally through pop culture, it remains distinctly Japanese in origin and primary usage.
At a glance: who, where and when
What people believe
The belief rests entirely on wordplay. The Japanese language allows the phrase for golden poo to sound like good luck. Practitioners hold that this phonetic connection transfers fortune to the owner.
When it is done
There are no specific festivals or calendar dates tied to this charm. It is used year-round as a personal talisman for daily luck.
How scholars and sceptics see it
Cultural observers note the charm as an example of modern Japanese pop superstition. It illustrates how traditional concepts of luck adapt to contemporary technology and humor.
Cautions and what is closed
No significant harms or risks are associated with the charm. It is a harmless novelty item. Some fictional depictions exaggerate its properties for comedic effect.
Compare and confuse
It differs from traditional amulets by relying on puns rather than religious icons. Similar luck objects exist globally, but the specific faecal shape is unique to this Japanese phenomenon.
Law and persecution
The charm is legal and widely sold. No restrictions or persecutions apply to its possession or use.
Today
The charm continues to appear in video games and animated series. It maintains relevance through digital emojis and merchandise, keeping the tradition alive among younger generations.
Questions people ask about Kin no unko
What is Kin no unko?
It is a Japanese lucky charm shaped like golden faeces. The name is a pun meaning both golden poo and good luck in Japanese.
Where did it come from?
It originated in Japan as a mobile phone charm. Sales reached millions by 2006 before spreading via internet retailers and digital media.
Why is it considered lucky?
The Japanese phrase for golden poo sounds identical to the phrase for good luck. Believers think the pun attracts fortune.
Is it still used today?
Yes. It appears as an emoji and in modern video games like Zelda and WarioWare, keeping the tradition current.
Good reading and sources
- Kin no unko on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Kin no unko", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryJaadu rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Names and customs differ from one community to the next, and some knowledge is closed to outsiders and left out here. This page describes belief and practice. It does not say that any of it works, it is not a how-to, and it is not medical advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.
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