The word Ema literally translates to ‘picture horse’. In ancient Japan, horses were believed to be the “vehicle of the deities” 神様の乗り物, carrying prayers to the Kami-sama.
During the Nara period (710–794 CE), people would donate live horses to Shinto shrines to ensure their prayers reached the Kami-sama. However, since horses were expensive, those who couldn’t afford them began offering wooden, clay, or paper horse figurines instead. Over time, this tradition evolved into the creation of wooden plaques featuring images of horses.
By the Muromachi period (1333–1568 CE), Shinto shrines expanded these designs to include other symbols, such as foxes, which were especially popular at Inari shrines. During the Edo period (1603–1868 CE), it finally became common for individuals to purchase small plaques to communicate their wishes to the Kami-sama more conveniently.
Today, Ema come in a variety of designs and forms, often reflecting the shrine’s Kami-sama or the zodiac sign of the year.
You can receive an Ema by making a donation to a Shinto shrine. While they are traditionally obtained during shrine visits, we offer international shipping to accommodate our global shrine community.
Our Ema are beautifully illustrated and specially blessed to help make your wishes come true. The back of each Ema is branded with our shrine’s insignia!
Once you have your Ema, write your wish on the back. It can be anything from a personal goal to a heartfelt hope for someone else. If you’re visiting a Shinto shrine, it’s customary to hang it on the shrine grounds. If you’re keeping it at home, you can place it high on the north or west wall.
When wishes are granted, it is customary to visit a Jinja (Shinto shrine) and express gratitude to the Kami-sama by offering tokens of appreciation, such as money, rice, sake, or vegetables. Even if your wish has not yet been fulfilled, showing gratitude to Kami-sama helps strengthen your resolve and renew your determination.
Ema should be renewed after one year and the old Ema should be sent back to us for the Bonfire Ritual – Otakiage.
