Omikuji(おみくじ): Japan’s “Fortune-Sheet Drawing”

In January, many Japanese people visit a local shrine or temple to play “a fortune-sheet drawing” called Omikuji(おみくじ). So, tonight. Let’s take a closer look at this unique “fortune-telling.”

Researchers say Ryogen(良源, 912–985), the priest of Tendaishu(天台宗) and later reinvented Enryakuji(延暦寺) in Hieizan(比叡山), established the base idea: repel or elude misfortune through strengthening one’s luck.

The sheet used here is called “Kuji(くじ),” and its Kanji “籤” displays a lot of strokes. When Omikuji was developed in the Kamakura era(鎌倉時代, 1185–1333), applicants needed to bring their own kuji. It was also considered a divine activity.

Since Meiji 39th(1906), the monthly newspaper “Joshidosha(女子道社)” in Yamaguchi’s “Nishoyamada Jinja(二所山田神社)” took the lead to publish various omikuji. Currently, 70% of omikuji sheets are composed and printed in Joshidosha.

Some popular “Kujibiki(籤引き)=the sheet drawing” methods: insert “kuji stick(みくじ棒)” into a rectangular box, shake it well, and pull one stick. Some shrines install vending kuji machines. See the images above.

Each Kuji consists of these three:
(1) the number
(2) descriptions
(3) Kikkyou(吉凶)=good or bad
After reading the contents, drawers are recommended to tie their Kuji to shrine/temple trees. This is what we call “Enmusubi(縁結び)=ties fortunes”

吉(Kichi/Kitsu/Yoshi) refers to “good, positive” while 凶(kyou) states “bad, something’s wrong.” 大(Dai=big, large), 中(Chuu=medium, middle), 小(Shou=small, a little) is attached in front like 小吉(shoukichi=a little happy) or 大凶(daikyo=worse).

Nowadays, many omikuji intentionally opt out 凶 so the drawers won’t complain about their results to shrines/temples. 末吉(Suekichi=moderate luck) is now popular.