Frequently Asked Questions
How old is the ema tradition?
Records of “board horses” drawn on wooden boards as offerings go back to the late Heian period. Further back, the live horse offering at Kifune Shrine is documented from the reign of Emperor Tenmu (7th century). The tradition in some form is at least 1,300 years old.
Why are most ema five-sided (pentagonal)?
The five-sided shape became standard mainly in the modern era, roughly in parallel with the spread of Tenjin worship. Its association with the homophone for “passing” (goukaku, written with a different character) reinforced its use in exam contexts. Ancient and medieval large votive ema were typically rectangular.
What is “o-rei-mairi” (the thank-you visit)?
O-rei-mairi is the practice of returning to the shrine where you offered an ema, once your wish has been granted, to report the result and give thanks. After about a year, shrines typically perform o-takiage (ritual burning) of old ema. Completing this cycle — wish, result, return, burning — is the full circuit of the faith.
What is an “ema-den” (votive tablet hall)?
An ema-den is a dedicated building where large historical votive paintings are kept and displayed. Major shrines such as Sumiyoshi Taisha and Itsukushima Shrine preserve large ema by notable painters, viewable as fine art. Ema-den are often slightly off the main worship path, so check the precinct map before visiting.
Can foreign visitors offer ema?
Absolutely. Wishes may be written in any language. Purchase an ema at the shrine (typically 500–1,000 yen), write your wish, and hang it on the rack. Ema inscribed in English, Chinese, and other languages are now common at major shrines, and the practice is welcomed as a form of participation in the shrine’s life.