Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Praying for Success】

As we are in the midst of exam season, many students have exams coming up this weekend. In Japan, when taking entrance exams or other tests with important outcomes, people go to do gōkaku kigan, to make a prayer for success. This involves visiting a shrine to make a personal declaration of determination and asking the gods for their blessings to pass the test and achieve their goals.

One shrine that many visit is Hakozaki Shrine (Hakozaki-gu) in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City, one of Japan’s three major Hachiman shrines. Known as the “God of Protection and Victory,” it attracts many visitors during exam season who pray for success. Another popular spot is Suikyo Tenmangu Shrine, quietly located in the heart of Tenjin. It enshrines the deity of learning, making it another destination for those seeking academic success.

When praying, it’s important to state your name, address, specific wish, and the name of your desired school or the exam you want to pass. After the prayer, it’s customary to purchase a protective charm, the omamori to keep with you or to write your wish on a wooden plaque called ema and dedicate it to the shrine. Once the exams are over, the omamori should be returned to the shrine. If you pass, it’s also customary to visit the shrine again to express gratitude to the gods.

Praying on behalf of someone, such as family, friends, or loved ones, can also be a meaningful gesture. Best wishes to all of this year's exam-takers, may all of your hard work pay off! Good luck to you !

【Fukuoka City Information】

Tōchōji Setsubun Festival / International Students’ Bean-Throwing Ceremony

 Setsubun is an annual event in Japan that involves driving away misfortune such as illness or disasters and praying for health and happiness. A long-standing custom involves throwing beans to banish demons, with the chant “Fortune in, demons out!” (Fuku wa uchi! Oni wa soto!), wishing for good fortune and protection from misfortune.

At Tōchōji Temple in Hakata Ward, the Setsubun Grand Festival is held every year on February 3. The event attracts many visitors, and the lively bean-throwing ceremony features the Seven Lucky Gods, Otafuku and red and blue demons.

On Friday, January 24, as part of the festival's promotion, international students living in Fukuoka will dress as the Seven Lucky Gods and demons to perform a bean-throwing ceremony at Fukuoka City Hall. The students’ performances as demons are sure to be a fun event you don't want to miss.

How about you, do you think you'd like to experience this Japanese custom of bean-throwing?

For more information about the Setsubun Grand Festival on February 3 or the bean-throwing event on January 24, please check the websites of Fukuoka City or Tōchōji Temple in advance.

Participating in a Setsubun event is a great way to experience Japanese culture and invite good fortune into your life.