Abstract. Japanese prefer odd numbers, while Westerners prefer even numbers. This is clear from the distribution of number-related words in Japanese and English dictionaries. This paper explains the reason for this cultural difference by surveying the history of numbers, Yin-Yang thought from ancient China, ancient Greek philosophy, and modern European mathematics. The author also mentions that while odd and even are only mathematical concepts, understanding the culture and history of individual countries contributes to world peace.

Received: October 13, 2012

AMS Subject Classification: 01A27, 00A09, 97A40

Key Words and Phrases: odd number, even number, Japanese and English, history of numbers, Yin-Yang thought

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