Why Is It Called Ema? From Real Horses to Japanese Prayer Plaques

What are the small wooden plaques you see at Japanese shrines? They are called Ema, traditional wooden prayer plaques where people write their wishes. But the name “Ema” literally means “picture horse.” Why a horse? Long ago in Japan, real horses were offered to the gods. Over time, they were replaced by horse figures made from wood or clay, and eventually by pictures of horses painted on wooden boards. This is believed to be the origin of the Ema we see today. In this video, I also introduce Dango Uma, a traditional horse made from rice-flour dumplings in Kagawa Prefecture. A small wooden plaque at a shrine carries a surprisingly long history of the relationship between Japanese people, horses, and prayer. Welcome to Japan As I See It — everyday Japanese culture and traditions, seen from a local perspective. #Japan #JapaneseCulture #Ema #JapaneseShrine #Shinto #JapanTravel #JapaneseTradition #PrayerPlaques #JapanHistory #Kagawa #DangoUma