Why Are There Thousands of Wooden Boards at Japanese Shrines? (The “Ema” Wishes)

Last updated: March 20, 2026

The Wall of Dreams
When you visit a Shinto shrine in Japan, you will inevitably find a large wooden rack overflowing with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of small wooden plaques. Some have beautiful paintings of animals, while others are covered in handwritten text.

What is an “Ema”?
These wooden plaques are called “Ema” (which translates to “Picture Horse”). In ancient times, wealthy people would donate living, real horses to the gods when making a wish. Because normal people couldn’t afford a horse, they started offering wooden boards with a picture of a horse instead.

Write Anything You Want!
Today, you can buy an Ema at the shrine for about 500 to 1,000 yen and write your own wish on the back. People write all sorts of things: “Please let me pass my university entrance exam!”, “I hope my grandmother gets healthy,” or even “Please let me get front-row tickets to my favorite idol’s concert!”

The Anime Art Gallery
If you visit a shrine located in a famous pop-culture area (like Kanda Shrine near Akihabara), the Ema racks look like a professional art gallery. Talented fans draw incredibly detailed anime characters on the wood to wish for the success of their favorite shows.

The Multilingual Gods
You don’t need to be Japanese or Shinto to write one. You can write your wish in English, Spanish, or any language you like. The Japanese gods are very open-minded and multilingual. Write your wish, hang it up, and leave it to the gods!

Ancient Symbols and Wishes (Related Articles)
Hanging an Ema is a beautiful way to connect with Japanese traditions, but Japan is filled with other ancient symbols and wishing rituals, from samurai logos to New Year’s soup!

11. The Samurai Logos
Just as Ema boards have traditional drawings, Japanese families have their own ancient, minimalist branding. These are called “Kamon” (Family Crests), and while they were once painted on samurai armor, you can still spot these beautiful, nature-inspired logos on formal kimono at modern weddings.

👉Do normal people have family crests?
Check out: “What Is the Secret Logo on the Samurai’s Armor? (The ‘Kamon’ Culture)”

What Is the Secret Logo on the Samurai’s Armor? (The “Kamon” Culture)

2. The Wishing Soup
Writing a wish on a wooden board is great, but Japanese people also eat their wishes! On January 1st, it is a nationwide tradition to eat a warm bowl of soup called “Ozoni” to pray for a healthy and safe year. Interestingly, the soup looks completely different depending on if you are in Tokyo or Osaka!

👉 Square Mochi or Round Mochi?
Check out: “What Does the Japanese New Year Taste Like? (The ‘Ozoni’ Divide)”