Red String of Fate

Unable to focus, I glance behind to find the girl doing the same. Then she holds up her wrist with a question on her face.

— Ohno Yasu refering to Shibasaki Yukiko from Misunderstandings

The Red String of Fate is the belief that some dismiss as an old wives' tale--nothing more than a girl's fanciful notion. Those who put stock in it believe that if two people have a red thread that connects from their pinky to another person's pinky, they are destined to meet and become lovers, possibly even get married. The thread may stretch, but it never breaks.

Beyond the Common Myth

by Freepik

What isn't often known is that those that dismiss the notion, will never see it. But those who believe, might. For it is attached by the kami or one of the person's ancestors who have passed away. Those ancestors visit the mortal realm on occasions such as obon or times when the descendant needs help.

by Freepik

Some women can see such strings connecting people. It's a rare magical gift passed down from their mothers. Usually the first string notices is the one connected to themselves and their love to be. Then the magic user is attuned to see them and will notice others.

Variations & Mutation

Koreans think of it tied around the couple's pinkies, like the modern Japanese version. The old Japanese version says that the string connects from a woman's pinky finger (which connects to the heart by the ulnar artery) to a man's thumb. The Chinese believe that the string connects around the intendeds' ankles.

In Art

You'll see this theme in anime and manga. A recent example is in the anime Your Name.

Myth

Originated in China. Common in East Asia.