Ema Plaques in Japan: Writing Wishes and Connecting with the Divine
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A small wooden plaque, a heartfelt wish—and a glimpse into Japan’s soul.
In Japan’s Shinto shrines, ema are not keepsakes to take home, but offerings left behind for the gods. Each plaque carries a personal story, handwritten and hung among hundreds of others swaying in the breeze, forming a tapestry of hopes, dreams, and gratitude. From their origins in ancient offerings of sacred horses to the colorful, anime-inspired designs of today, ema reveal both Japan’s timeless traditions and its playful creativity.
In this article, we’ll explore the history, symbolism, and modern charm of ema, and show you how you can take part in this unique cultural experience during your visit to Japan.
What Is an Ema?
A Wooden Plaque for Wishes and Thanks
An ema (絵馬) is a small wooden plaque used in Japan’s Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples to make a prayer (kigan) or to give thanks after a wish has been fulfilled (hōnō). Visitors write their requests or words of gratitude—such as for health, success, love, or safe travels—along with their name and sometimes the date. The plaque is then hung at the shrine or temple as an offering, not taken home.
From Small Tokens to Large Displays
While most ema are small, designed for individual use, there are also large ema for group offerings. These may be specially commissioned from artists and feature elaborate paintings.
Designs and Regional Shapes
Originally, ema depicted horses, as real horses were once offered to the gods. Over time, designs expanded to include zodiac animals, deities, seasonal motifs, or local symbols.
Their shapes also vary by region:
- Eastern Japan: Pentagonal “house-shaped” plaques, a remnant of when they had small roofs.
- Kinki Region: Mostly rectangular.
- Kyoto: Long horizontal boards with frame-like borders.
- Nara: Rectangular boards with black-painted edges resembling a frame.
Then and Now
In the past, offering an ema was a private act. People might visit at night to avoid being seen, and instead of writing their full name, they used indirect identifiers—such as “Woman born in the Year of the Tiger.”
Today, visitors typically write during daytime hours, and ema create a public yet intimate display of wishes and gratitude.
A Cross-Cultural Parallel
If you’re from an English-speaking country, you might compare ema to lighting a prayer candle in a church or tying a note to a wishing tree. However, unlike those, ema often feature unique artwork tied to the shrine or the season, making each one both a heartfelt message and a small work of art.
Origins and History
From Sacred Horses to Painted Offerings
The word ema literally means “picture horse.” In ancient Japan, horses were believed to be the mounts of the gods, appearing in sacred rituals. Before the use of portable shrines (mikoshi), horses were considered essential for transporting the divine presence.
Historical records such as the Shoku Nihongi (797 CE) from the Nara period describe the offering of shinme (sacred horses) to the gods during important ceremonies. For those unable to present a real horse, substitutes made of wood, paper, or clay were used. By the late Nara period, people began offering wooden plaques painted with horses, marking the earliest form of ema.
Expansion to Temples – Heian Period (794–1185)
With the spread of Shinbutsu-shūgō (the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism), the idea emerged that Buddhist deities—such as Kannon (Avalokiteśvara)—could also appear on horseback. This led to ema being offered not only at Shinto shrines but also at Buddhist temples.
Artwork became more varied, and ema began to serve both as prayers for divine help and as expressions of gratitude for wishes granted.
Artistic Flourishing – Muromachi to Azuchi-Momoyama (1336–1600)
During the Muromachi period, large framed “great ema” (ōema) appeared, moving beyond horse imagery to include:
- Foxes for Inari shrines
- Portraits of the Thirty-Six Immortal Poets
- Warrior scenes (musha-e)
- Images of Buddhist figures like Monju Bosatsu (Manjushri)
In the Azuchi-Momoyama period, works by renowned painters became popular. Ema halls (ema-dō) were built to display these paintings, functioning like art galleries where artists competed in skill.
Widespread Among the People – Edo Period (1603–1868)
The custom of offering ema spread widely among commoners, with practical prayers such as:
- Household safety
- Business prosperity
- Health and illness prevention
- Even unusual requests, such as preventing a husband’s infidelity
Designs became increasingly diverse, reflecting personal concerns and local culture.
From the Meiji Era to the Present
In the Meiji period, large group-offering ema grew in popularity, often created to commemorate military victories, the birth of a child, or major community events.
From the Showa period onward, ema became especially popular at Tenmangū shrines dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of scholarship, where students offered them for exam success. Designs expanded far beyond horses to include auspicious animals like white snakes, festival scenes, and, in recent decades, even anime characters.
A Living Tradition
From sacred horse offerings to colorful, modern designs, ema have transformed over more than a thousand years. Yet their essence remains the same: a heartfelt message to the divine, left hanging for the gods to see—and for visitors to glimpse the hopes and dreams of others.
Designs and Symbolism
From Horses to a World of Motifs
While ema originally featured painted horses—reflecting their role as sacred messengers to the gods—the designs have greatly diversified over the centuries. Today, you can find ema decorated with:
- Zodiac animals for each year
- Symbols and deities unique to the shrine or temple
- Local specialties or landscapes
- Mascots and even pop culture characters, from sports teams to anime heroes
These designs often make ema not only a spiritual object but also a small piece of local art.
Unique Designs and Shapes
Some of the most memorable ema experiences come from shrines that break away from the standard rectangular design, offering shapes that match their traditions, deities, or local culture. Across Japan, these unique shapes and creative concepts make each visit even more memorable.
Kawai Shrine (Kyoto)
Dedicated to the deity of beauty, Kawai Shrine offers hand-mirror-shaped ema. The front features a blank face outline, which worshippers decorate with makeup to resemble their own face, using their own cosmetics. On the back, they write their wish before offering it.
Fushimi Inari Taisha (Kyoto)
Here you’ll find the white fox ema—plaques shaped like the sacred fox, the messenger of Inari. Visitors draw the fox’s face on the front, often adding playful expressions, and write their wishes on the back.
Mitsu-no-Miya Shrine (Osaka)
Known for its pet-shaped ema, this shrine attracts pet owners praying for the health and happiness of their animals. The plaque’s front shows only a pair of ears, leaving space for worshippers to draw their pet’s face before writing their wish on the reverse.
Yakyu Inari Shrine (Saitama)
Dedicated to a god of victory, this shrine is popular among baseball players and high school teams aiming for the Koshien national championship. Visitors offer bat-shaped or base-shaped ema, symbolizing their prayers for success in competition.
Art That Reflects the Place and the Prayer
Many shrines commission ema that reflect their history, legends, or protective deities. For example:
- At Inari shrines, fox designs symbolize the deity’s messengers
- At Tenmangū shrines, plum blossoms honor Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning
- At coastal shrines, fish or boats may appear as symbols of maritime safety
By looking at the artwork and colors, you can often guess the type of wish the ema is meant to convey—making every plaque a visual expression of both personal hopes and local culture.
How to Use an Ema
Offering an ema is a simple yet meaningful way to connect with Japan’s spiritual traditions. Here’s how to do it respectfully.
1. Writing Your Wish
Most ema have a blank side for writing. Common elements include:
- Your wish or message – be specific (e.g., “Pass my university entrance exam,” “Safe delivery for my sister’s baby”)
- Your name – full name or just initials
- Date – the day you offered the ema
Most people simply write their wish in a way that feels natural to them—there’s no strict rule about direction or style. You’re welcome to use your native language, and many visitors from abroad do just that. Whether you choose a brush pen for a traditional touch or a regular marker, the most important thing is to write your wish sincerely.
2. Adding a Personal Touch
At certain shrines, you may be encouraged to decorate the front of the ema—drawing a face, adding colors, or customizing it according to the shrine’s theme. Feel free to take inspiration from the ema already on display and add your own creative touch.
3. Offering the Ema
Once written, hang the ema on the designated rack or wall within the shrine grounds. This act symbolically “delivers” your wish to the enshrined deity.
Etiquette tips:
- Avoid writing offensive or inappropriate content
- Keep your message respectful and sincere
- Do not remove ema left by others
4. What Happens After
Over time, shrine staff will collect old ema and dispose of them in a ritual fire known as otakiage (お焚き上げ).
During this ceremony, the priest offers prayers and purification rites, placing the ema into the flames while praying for the fulfillment of the wishes they carry.
The fire is believed to send the messages to the gods and release the spiritual energy, making space for new offerings.
Types of Wishes
When offering an ema, the type of wish you write can vary greatly—from traditional requests to modern, playful messages.
Common Wishes
Some of the most typical prayers include:
- Health and safety for oneself or family
- Academic success, especially passing entrance exams
- Love and marriage – finding a partner or ensuring a happy relationship
- Business prosperity and financial stability
- Safe travels for journeys near or far
These wishes reflect life’s important milestones and the desire for well-being in everyday life.
Unique and Modern Wishes
In recent years, ema have also become a canvas for more personal or lighthearted hopes, such as:
- Praying for the success of a favorite anime or manga character
- Wishing good fortune for an idol group or celebrity (“oshi”)
- Hoping a sports team will win a championship
- Asking for good results in a video game competition
These playful messages often sit side by side with serious prayers, creating a fascinating glimpse into the diversity of hopes people carry.
A Window into People’s Hearts
While the wishes written on ema can be heartfelt, humorous, or quirky, many are in Japanese—so overseas visitors may not always understand the exact content.
It’s also important to remember that ema are personal offerings to the gods, and some may include private details such as names or addresses.
Reading them briefly on site is generally fine, but as a matter of privacy and respect, it’s best to avoid taking close-up photos of others’ ema or posting them online without permission.
Ema in Modern Culture
Collaborations with Anime and Manga
In recent years, ema have also become connected with Japan’s vibrant pop culture—sometimes through official collaborations, and other times through fan traditions.
At Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo, a 2022 collaboration with Love Live! featured officially designed ema depicting characters in a New Year’s theme. Similarly, Numazu Hie Shrine in Shizuoka, located in the city where part of the series is set, sells ema with the Love Live! cast, making it a pilgrimage spot for fans.
In other cases, the phenomenon is entirely fan-driven. At Mizoguchi Kamado Shrine in Fukuoka—considered a sacred site for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba—the shrine does not sell official character ema. Instead, fans purchase plain ema and draw their favorite characters themselves before offering them. Over time, the ema racks have become filled with hand-drawn tributes to the series, turning the site into a unique blend of pop culture and tradition.
A Popular Experience for Tourists
Many shrines in tourist destinations sell ema with local-themed illustrations—scenes of famous landmarks, seasonal flowers, or regional mascots. Even for visitors unfamiliar with the spiritual significance, creating and offering an ema can be a memorable hands-on experience.
At Meiji Jingu in Tokyo, the ema racks are often filled with plaques written in languages from all over the world, reflecting its popularity among international travelers.
Beyond Japan
The idea of writing wishes on a plaque or card and displaying them has begun to appear in other countries, often under names like “wishing board” or “wish wall.” While these overseas versions may not carry the same religious meaning, they draw clear inspiration from the Japanese ema, showing how a centuries-old tradition can inspire new forms of shared hope around the world.
Where to Experience Ema in Japan
If you’d like to see or take part in the ema tradition, certain shrines across Japan are especially famous for their beautiful plaques and unique themes.
Kyoto – Kitano Tenmangū
Dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning, this shrine is a top destination for students praying for academic success. Around exam season in winter, its ema racks overflow with wishes for passing entrance exams.
Kyoto – Kawai Shrine (within Shimogamo Shrine)
Famous for its hand-mirror-shaped ema dedicated to beauty, Kawai Shrine is a sub-shrine located within the grounds of Shimogamo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is particularly popular in spring and autumn, when seasonal flowers make the visit even more picturesque.
Official website (Shimogamo Shrine)
Kyoto – Fushimi Inari Taisha
Home of the iconic red torii gates, this shrine features white fox-shaped ema. Visiting during the New Year or the Inari Festival in early February offers an especially vibrant atmosphere.
Tokyo – Meiji Jingu
One of Japan’s most visited shrines, Meiji Jingu’s ema display often features messages written in dozens of languages, reflecting its popularity with international travelers. It’s especially lively during the first three days of January (Hatsumōde), when millions visit to make their first prayers of the year.
Best Times to Visit
While ema can be offered year-round, some of the most colorful displays appear during:
- New Year’s season – when many people make fresh wishes for the year ahead
- Exam season (January–March) – academic-related ema fill the racks at Tenmangū shrines
- Local festivals – when special, limited-edition ema are sold for the occasion
By timing your visit with these events, you can experience ema at their most vibrant and meaningful.
Conclusion: A Tradition You Can Take Part In
From sacred horses of ancient Japan to hand-painted plaques filled with modern dreams, ema have carried people’s hopes for over a thousand years.
They are more than just wooden boards—they are heartfelt messages, moments of creativity, and a bridge between everyday life and the divine.
Whether you’re praying for success, expressing gratitude, or simply curious about Japanese culture, offering an ema allows you to step into a living tradition. You don’t need to be an expert in Shinto or speak Japanese—the act of writing your wish and hanging it among hundreds of others is an experience that speaks in a universal language of hope.
So on your next visit to Japan, find a shrine, pick up an ema, and let your wish join the chorus of prayers that sway gently in the breeze—a small piece of your story left in the heart of Japan.