Have you ever heard of “omikuji”? Omikuji are fortune-telling papers you can draw at Japanese shrines and temples. But did you know that there are actually many different types of omikuji?

First, let’s talk about the basic mechanism of omikuji. You draw a stick or paper from a box to predict your fortune. The results can include “great blessing” (daikichi), “middle blessing” (chukichi), “small blessing” (shokichi), and “curse” (kyo), among others. However, these are not the only types of omikuji available.

For example, there is a “love fortune” (koi omikuji), which is specifically focused on love and relationships. When you draw this type of omikuji, you get advice and predictions related to romance, making it popular among couples and those with unrequited love. There are also “academic fortunes” (gakugyo omikuji) and “career fortunes” (shigoto omikuji) that focus on specific themes.

Now, let’s explain how to draw an omikuji. First, find the omikuji box at a shrine or temple. Usually, it costs around 100 to 200 yen. After you put in the money, shake the box or draw a stick to get your omikuji.

Once you’ve drawn your omikuji, read it carefully. If you get a good result, take it home as a talisman. If you get a bad result, you can tie it to a designated area at the shrine or temple to dispel the bad luck.

Omikuji often come with detailed explanations to help you interpret the content. For example, it might include sections on “health fortune,” “love fortune,” and “career fortune.” This makes omikuji not just a simple fortune-telling tool, but also a source of advice for self-reflection.

Let’s also touch on the origin of omikuji. Omikuji have been around since ancient times and were used as a way to receive messages from the gods. Even today, many people draw omikuji on New Year’s Day or special occasions to predict their fortune for the year.

Finally, let’s talk about the etiquette of drawing omikuji. Omikuji are considered sacred, so draw them quietly and handle them with care. Also, it is customary to move away from the area before reading your omikuji.

How was that? Did you learn a bit more about omikuji? Next time you visit a shrine or temple, try drawing different types of omikuji. You’re sure to discover something new.