Numbers 4

Numbers 4 is just one of multiple lottery games available in Japan.

A Numbers 4 ticket costs JPY 200.

Players select four numbers from 0 to 9.

The top prize is called a Straight, which pays out JPY 900,000.

Players can make a Box bet for numbers drawn in any order. This only pays out 4.17% of the main prize, corresponding to four different numbers and 24 possible combinations.

Draws take place daily from Monday to Friday.

How to Play Numbers 4?

To play Numbers 4, select a four-digit number from each box provided on the ticket depending on how many times you wish to play.

See the table below as an example of someone who makes three bets: Box A, Box B and Box C.

In Box A, 0123 is chosen.

If you go for the Straight bet top prize, these numbers must be drawn in exact order for the top prize of JPY 900,000.

If you go for a Box bet, these numbers can be drawn in any order for 1/24th of the main prize.

Easy, right?

In Box B, 5555 is chosen.

Only a Straight bet top prize can be chosen in this instance. An any-order Box bet would not make any sense.

In Box C, 1359 is chosen.

Again, this is applicable for a Straight bet or a Box bet.

To win the main Straight bet prize of JPY 900,000, 1359 must be selected in exact order.

If you go for a Box bet, 1359 can be drawn in any order, such as 9531, 5319, etc.

Remember, a Box bet only pays out JPY 37,500, just 4.17% of the main prize!

Odds and Prizes

The odds of winning the Numbers 4 main prize are 1 in 10,000 for the Straight bet prize.

The odds of winning a Box bet prize of JPY 37,500 are much better at 1 in 417.

Note: Payouts are 10 times more in comparison to Numbers 3, but entry is 10 times more expensive too.

Multiple tickets and future draws

You can purchase multiple tickets for multiple future draws if you wish.

If you want to buy two or more tickets with the same amount of bets and numbers:

• Use the column second farthest to the right, as shown on your ticket.
• Select between 2 and 10 for the number of tickets you wish to purchase.

If you want to choose the same sets of numbers for future draws.

Bingo! You can do this too.

• Use the column to the very farthest right on your ticket.
• Again, choose between 2 and 10 for the number of future draws.

Payouts and Taxes

Lottery winnings in Japan are paid out as lump sums only, with players having up to 12 months to claim their winnings from authorized lottery retailers or participating banks.

Players who buy tickets at an ATM in Japan will have their winnings directly paid into a respective bank account.

Japan DOES NOT TAX lottery prizes!

Additional taxes for gifting 1.1 million or more in winnings to friends or relatives does not apply because the maximum Numbers 4 payout is only JPY 900,000.

Numbers 4 is therefore a great game for quick and easy winnings!

It is more expensive than Numbers 3 and harder to win, but payouts are much higher.

Players from abroad should check local tax laws to find out if they need to pay tax at home.

Who Can Play Numbers 4?

Anyone can play Numbers 4 in Japan,but only genuine residents of Japan can claim or collect lottery prizes!

To qualify as a legitimate resident you must reside in that country for an uninterrupted period of one full tax year (January 1 through December 31).

Not Japanese then? Never mind, you can still play Numbers 4 for pure fun!

Where Can I Play Numbers 4

Numbers 4 tickets are usually bought at authorized Takarakuji booths - an authorized retailer across all of Japan - as well as from the official website and even at selected ATMs.

Participants must be at least 20 years of age.

Fun fact: Chapter 23 of the Criminal Code of Japan states that gambling is a banned activity! But special laws allow football pools, public sports and - you got it - LOTTERIES.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose the same four digits such as 0000 or 1111?

Yes, you can. But this is only applicable for the main prize - theStraight bet type. All four digits must be drawn in exact order.

What is the difference between a Box bet and a Straight bet?

If you choose a Straight bet, each number must be drawn in the exact order shown on your ticket.

In a Box bet, these numbers can be drawn in any order.

But there is no point choosing 0000 for a Box bet when you can only win 1/24th of the main prize! Instead, choose four different numbers such as 0123 to turn the odds in your favor.

When choosing 0123 for a Box bet, you will win in ALL of the 24 following combinations:

0123 / 0132 / 0213 / 0231 / 0312 / 0321

1023 / 1032 / 1203 / 1230 / 1302 / 1320

2013 / 2031 / 2103 / 2130 / 2301 / 2310

3012 / 3021 / 3102 / 3120 / 3201 / 3210

Can I bet more than once?

Yes, you definitely can.

If you wish to make a single bet, choose numbers from Box A only. For two bets, choose Box A and Box B, etc. See the table above.

Is the winning amount always the same?

Actually, NO it isn't!

The top prize of JPY 900,000 is classified as a theoretical amount because it depends on the amount of sales and the number of winning tickets sold.

Two or more people can have the same winning numbers for the Straight bet main prize, therefore reducing the jackpot.