[Omikuji Guide] How to Read Your Fortune for a Blessed Life in Japan!

Happy New Year! Or as we say in Japan, “Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!” 🇯🇵 If you are planning to live in Japan or are currently studying the language, one of the most exciting cultural experiences you can have during the New Year (Hatsumode) or any visit to a shrine is drawing an Omikuji (おみくじ). These small paper slips contain your fortune and provide guidance for the year ahead. However, for many Filipino students, the complex kanji and poetic language can be a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry! In this guide, I will teach you exactly how to read your luck and navigate this beautiful tradition like a local.

皆さん、あけましておめでとうございます！日本での生活を目指している方、あるいは現在日本語を勉強中の方にとって、初詣や参拝の際に「おみくじ」を引くのはとてもワクワクする体験ですよね。おみくじは、その一年の運勢や指針を教えてくれる小さな守り神のような存在です。しかし、フィリピンの学生さんにとって、難しい漢字や古風な表現を理解するのは少し大変かもしれません。でも、心配しないでください！このガイドでは、おみくじの読み方やマナーを、現役の日本語教師が分かりやすく解説します。

1. Understanding the Ranking of Luck

The first thing everyone looks for on an Omikuji is the overall luck rating. This is usually written in large kanji at the top or side of the slip. There are several levels of luck, ranging from “Great Blessing” to “Great Curse.” While every shrine has a slightly different system, the general hierarchy is fairly standard across Japan. Understanding these will help you immediately know if you should celebrate or be extra cautious! 🎉

おみくじを引いて最初に確認するのは、やはり「運勢の吉凶」ですよね。大抵の場合、おみくじの上部や端に大きな漢字で書かれています。運勢には「大吉」から「大凶」までいくつかの段階がありますが、神社によってその種類は様々です。まずは、一般的な運勢のランキングを確認しておきましょう。これを知っておけば、喜ぶべきか、それとも慎重に過ごすべきか、すぐに判断できますよ！

Luck Ranking Table (運勢のランキング)

Kanji	Romaji	Meaning
大吉	Daikichi	Great Blessing (Best Luck!)
吉	Kichi	Good Luck / Blessing
中吉	Chukichi	Middle Blessing
小吉	Shokichi	Small Blessing
末吉	Suekichi	Future Blessing (Luck will improve)
凶	Kyo	Bad Luck / Curse

2. Deciphering the Categories of Your Life

Below the general luck rating, you will see specific categories like health, study, and travel. These provide practical advice for your daily life in Japan. For Filipino students, categories related to “Gakumon” (Study) and “Machibito” (The person you are waiting for) are often the most interesting. Let’s break down the most common vocabulary words you will find on the slip.

総合的な運勢の下には、健康、学問、旅行など、生活のさまざまな場面に関する具体的なアドバイスが書かれています。日本で生活する皆さんにとって、特に気になるのは「学問（勉強）」や「待人（待ち人）」といった項目ではないでしょうか。ここでは、おみくじによく使われる重要な語彙をリストアップしました。これらを覚えると、自分へのメッセージがより深く理解できるようになりますよ。

• 願事 (Negaigoto):

  Your wishes or desires. If it says “Kanau” (叶う), your wish will come true! If it says “Todokazu” (届かず), it might take more time or effort.

• 待人 (Machibito):

  The person you are waiting for. This doesn’t just mean a romantic partner; it can be a mentor, a friend, or someone who brings good news to your life.

• 学問 (Gakumon):

  Studies and education. Crucial for students! Look for phrases like “Ayamaru na” (Do not make mistakes) or “Benkyo seyo” (Study hard).

• 商売 (Shoubai):

  Business or trade. While you may not be running a business yet, this relates to your general financial success and resourcefulness.

• 病気 (Byouki):

  Health and illness. It often tells you if you will recover quickly (Naoru) or if you need to be careful (Ki wo tsukeyo).

• 失物 (Umsemono):

  Lost items. If you tend to lose your keys or wallet, pay attention to this section! It tells you if you will find what you lost.

3. Cultural Etiquette: What to do after drawing?

Once you have finished reading your fortune, what should you do with the paper? This is a common question! In Japan, there are two main choices: you can either tie it (結ぶ – Musubu) to a designated tree or rack at the shrine, or keep it (持ち帰る – Mochikaeru) in your wallet or notebook. There is no “wrong” answer, but the meaning changes slightly depending on your choice. ⛩️

おみくじを読み終わった後、その紙をどうすればいいか迷ったことはありませんか？日本では主に2つの選択肢があります。一つは、境内の指定された場所（木や紐）に「結ぶ」こと。もう一つは、大切に「持ち帰る」ことです。どちらが正解というわけではありませんが、それぞれに意味があります。その時の自分の気持ちに合わせて選んでみましょう。

• Tying the slip (結ぶ):

  People often tie “Bad Luck” (Kyo) slips to the shrine to “leave the bad luck behind” and ask the gods for help in changing their fortune. Some people also tie “Good Luck” slips to “connect” (musubu) their luck with the gods.

• Keeping the slip (持ち帰る):

  Many people keep their Omikuji as a reminder of the advice they received. It serves as a guide throughout the year. If you got a “Daikichi,” keeping it in your wallet might feel like carrying a lucky charm!

4. Why “Kyo” (Bad Luck) is actually an Opportunity

Drawing a 「凶」(Kyo) can be shocking, especially if you are starting a new journey in Japan. However, as a teacher, I want to encourage you: don’t be sad! In Japanese culture, “Kyo” is often interpreted as “the bottom of the curve.” This means things can only get better from here! It is a message to stay grounded and focus on self-improvement. Use it as a motivation to study harder and be more mindful of your surroundings.

もし「凶」を引いてしまっても、ショックを受ける必要はありません！日本での新しい生活を前に不安になるかもしれませんが、日本語教師として皆さんに伝えたいのは「悲しまないで！」ということです。日本では、「凶」は「これ以上悪くなることはない、あとは上がっていくだけ」とポジティブに捉えることも多いのです。それは「気を引き締めて頑張りなさい」という神様からのエールです。もっと勉強に励んだり、周りの人に感謝したりするきっかけにしましょう。

5. Conclusion: Your Journey is in Your Hands

Omikuji is a beautiful window into the Japanese heart. Whether you draw Great Blessing or Bad Luck, remember that your life in Japan is ultimately shaped by your hard work, your kindness, and your determination to learn. Use the Omikuji as a fun way to practice your kanji and connect with the local culture. You are doing an amazing job pursuing your dreams! 🌟 Keep moving forward with confidence, and your “Blessed Life” in Japan will surely become a reality.

おみくじは、日本の文化や日本人の心を理解するための素晴らしいツールです。大吉を引いても凶を引いても、最終的に日本での生活を切り開くのは、皆さんの努力と思いやり、そして「学びたい」という強い意志です。おみくじを漢字の練習や日本文化に触れる楽しい機会として活用してください。皆さんは夢に向かって本当によく頑張っています！🌟 自信を持って一歩ずつ進んでいけば、日本での「恵まれた人生」は必ず現実のものになりますよ。応援しています！