March 21, 2025 (3mo ago)
Ema, or wooden wishing plaques, are a quintessential element of Japan's Shinto shrines, serving as a medium for worshippers to express their deepest desires and prayers to the kami spirits. These small wooden tablets, often decorated with images or symbols, have a rich history and play a significant role in Japanese culture.
The term "ema" literally means "picture horse," originating from the ancient practice of offering horses to shrines as a symbol of gratitude and prayer. Over time, this tradition evolved into offering wooden plaques with horse pictures, eventually diversifying into various shapes and designs, such as animals from the zodiac or seasonal motifs like cherry blossoms[2][7].
Visitors to Shinto shrines can purchase ema at the shrine grounds for a small fee, typically around ¥500. After writing their wishes or prayers on the plaque, they hang it on a designated board within the shrine. This act is believed to convey their intentions to the kami. Once a year, old ema are ritually burned, symbolizing the release of the wishes from the writer[1][3].
Today, ema are not just limited to traditional prayers for health or prosperity. Modern requests often include wishes for success in exams, love, or even career aspirations, reflecting the evolving needs and desires of contemporary society[7]. Whether you're visiting Japan for cultural immersion or personal reflection, writing on an ema and hanging it at a Shinto shrine is a meaningful way to connect with Japan's spiritual heritage.
Ema embody the enduring connection between humans and the divine in Japan, offering a tangible way to express hopes and gratitude. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or spirituality, ema are an integral part of the Shinto experience that invites visitors to participate in a timeless tradition.