Ema (絵馬) are small wooden plaques sold at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan. Visitors write their prayers, wishes, or expressions of gratitude on them and hang them on designated racks, hoping for the spirits (kami) or deities to receive their messages.
The term Ema literally translates to ‘picture horse.’ Historically, people donated live horses to shrines to gain favor from the gods. Over time, these became too expensive, so people substituted them with wooden plaques featuring horse paintings. Today, the designs vary widely, often featuring the current year’s zodiac animal or themes specific to the shrine’s deity.
Visitor: “Excuse me, how do I make a wish here?”
Local: “Just buy an Ema, write your goal on the back with a marker, and hang it on the rack near the main hall.”
Pro-Tips for Writing Ema:
- Be specific: Instead of just ‘I want to be happy,’ write ‘I hope for success in my upcoming exams.’
- Respect the space: The rack is a sacred area; handle the plaques with care.
- If you are curious about other local customs or wish to explore more, check out our guides on what a Ryokan is or learn about the beauty of Komorebi.
