A beautiful wooden Ema votive plaque from Meiji Jingū Shrine (明治神宮), one of Tokyo’s most important Shinto shrines.
Dating from 2011 (Heisei 23), the Year of the Rabbit (辛卯), this Ema features a charming illustration of a white rabbit accompanied by two young rabbits, surrounded by delicate green leaves and red berries of the Nandina plant (南天).
In Japanese culture, rabbits symbolize good fortune, fertility, family happiness, and new beginnings. The Nandina plant, also known as Nanten, is traditionally associated with protection against misfortune and the transformation of difficulties into good luck, making this a particularly auspicious design.
Meiji Jingū (明治神宮) was established in 1920 and is dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1852–1912) and Empress Shōken (1849–1914), who played significant roles in Japan's modernization during the Meiji era. Located in the heart of Tokyo, the shrine is surrounded by a vast sacred forest of approximately 100,000 trees donated from across Japan. It remains one of Japan's most significant spiritual landmarks, particularly popular for Hatsumōde, the traditional first shrine visit of the New Year.
