This traditional ema (絵馬) wooden plaque comes from the renowned Tsurugaoka Hachimangū shrine in Kamakura, one of the most historically significant Shinto shrines in Japan.
Founded in 1063 by Minamoto no Yoriyoshi and later relocated and expanded by Minamoto no Yoritomo—the founder of the Kamakura shogunate—Tsurugaoka Hachimangū became the spiritual heart of the samurai and a symbol of warrior virtue. Dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and the divine guardian of Japan, the shrine has long been a place of pilgrimage for those seeking protection, strength, and success.
The plaque features a vividly painted image of a sacred white horse adorned in red armor, galloping with dynamic energy. In Shinto tradition, horses are considered divine messengers, and equestrian symbolism is closely tied to Hachiman worship. This design evokes the shrine’s longstanding connection to horseback archery (yabusame) and samurai ceremonial culture.
The kanji 奉納 (hōnō, meaning "dedicated offering") and the red shrine seal of 鶴岡八幡宮 validate its authenticity. Worshippers write prayers on the back and hang these plaques at the shrine to receive divine blessings—commonly for safe travel, academic success, or personal protection.
