New Year's visits and fortune telling

New Year's Day is one of the most important events in Japan.
During this time, many Japanese people visit shrines and temples to pray for good health and good fortune in the new year. One thing you can't miss when visiting shrines and temples during New Year's is "omikuji" (fortune telling slips)!
In this article, we will explain the appeal and fun of omikuji in an easy-to-understand way for foreigners.

What is Omikuji?

Omikuji are lottery slips that you draw at shrines and temples to test your luck.
You draw a small wooden or paper-wrapped stick or a numbered card, and then receive a piece of paper with your fortune written on it. This paper will detail your overall fortune (good, bad, very good, etc.) as well as your specific fortunes for love, work, health, etc.

Types of fortune results

There are various fortunes written on omikuji slips. Below are the most common types.
'good work' (equiv. of silver star awarded to children at school)Great fortune (Daikichi):
Great luck! You will feel very happy starting from the new year.
'good work' (equiv. of silver star awarded to children at school)Good luck (Kichi):
I look forward to a year full of good things.
'good work' (equiv. of silver star awarded to children at school)Small luck (Shokichi):
Your luck is so-so, but you can attract good fortune if you work hard.
'good work' (equiv. of silver star awarded to children at school)Suekichi:
Luck will come a little later, so be patient and wait.
'good work' (equiv. of silver star awarded to children at school)Unlucky:
Although it may seem negative at first glance, the message is that there is room for improvement.

What happens after you draw your fortune?

'good work' (equiv. of silver star awarded to children at school)If the result is good:
Take it home with you and use it as encouragement for your daily life.
'good work' (equiv. of silver star awarded to children at school)If the result is bad:
They are tied to special branches or strings at shrines and temples, with the intention of entrusting bad luck to the gods.

Recommended for foreigners!

'good work' (equiv. of silver star awarded to children at school)Take a photo:
Japanese shrines are sure to be photogenic! Recording your reaction when you draw your fortune will also be a fun memory.
'good work' (equiv. of silver star awarded to children at school)Learn Japanese:
Since a lot of Japanese is used on omikuji, they are a good practice material for Japanese language learners.
'good work' (equiv. of silver star awarded to children at school)Learn about the culture:
Through omikuji, you can understand how Japanese people welcome the New Year and pray for happiness.

Drawing fortune slips during New Year's visits to shrines is one way to enjoy Japanese culture.
Whether the results are good or bad, each one has meaning and is filled with advice for the future.
If you visit a shrine or temple, be sure to take this opportunity to try your hand at drawing a fortune slip.