- Japan has a season for examinations!
- Many examinees rush to Yushima Tenmangu!
- The ‘Ema’ is very interesting to see!
- Map
Japan has a season for examinations!
What kind of examinations do you have when entering high school or a university in your country? Entrance exams are usually a very important life event for most Japanese people. The National Test Center for university admissions usually starts around the second half of January and lasts until early March. During this time, you’re not allowed to say ‘fail’ or ‘slip’, because students and their parents are superstitious about these words. You’ll commonly see snacks and sweets associated with entrance exams at convenience stores and super markets. The most famous one is the Kit Kat bar, because its pronunciation is similar to that of the Japanese word “kitto katsu,” which means, “you’ll surely win”. It has become common to give the Kit Kat bar to examinees, but they traditionally visit a shrine to pray for their success. Yushima Tenmangu Shrine is one of the most popular.
Many examinees rush to Yushima Tenmangu!
Yushima Tenmangu is also referred to as, “Yushima Tenjin”. It is located in the center of Tokyo, Yushima, Bunkyo ward, and can be accessed from the Yushima station in about 2 minutes by foot. Why do they rush to “Yushima Tenjin”, you ask? It’s because Sugawara-no-Michizane, the enshrined god at Yushima Tenjin, is a god of wisdom. He was a noble man between 845 and 903, and was also a famous poet and scholar. However, he was demoted to the rural area by the Imperial court. After his death, Japan experienced more turbulent weather and people believed that he cursed the Imperial Court. In 1355, people started to worship him as a god of wisdom.
The ‘Ema’ is very interesting to see!
The highlight of Yushima Tenjin are the large bundles of ‘Ema’ hung on the Shrine! If your unfamiliar with Ema, please take a look at our past article. People come and write their wishes on them. You can buy an Ema for 1000 yen. You can also get Daruma dolls and charms to pray for a successful exam. It’s also nice to buy some as souvenirs. People have visited Yushima Tenjin for a long time, because it actually brings fortune to many people!
Map
3-30-1 Yushima, Bunkyo, Tokyo 〒113-0034
