Ema (Votive Tablets)

Ema are small wooden plaques available at Shinto shrines (and some Buddhist temples) on which visitors write their prayers, wishes, or thanks to the kami. After writing, the ema is hung on a designated rack at the shrine, where it remains for the kami to read. Common wishes include success in exams, good health, safe childbirth, and romantic success.

The word 'ema' literally means 'picture horse.' In ancient times, living horses were donated to shrines as valuable offerings to the kami, as horses were considered vehicles for the gods. Over time, this practice was replaced by symbolic horse paintings on wooden boards, and eventually the images diversified beyond horses to include the shrine's particular deity, zodiac animals, or other motifs.

Today, ema come in various shapes and designs, and many shrines offer unique, Instagram-worthy designs that have become collectible items. The content written on ema is traditionally considered private communication with the kami, though in practice the plaques are openly visible. During exam season (January-March), racks at shrines dedicated to the scholarly deity Tenjin overflow with thousands of ema bearing students' fervent wishes for success.