Deirdre: You drop into the shrine pretty often then?
Yuki: Yes, well. I go there to toss a five-yen coin into the saisen-bako. Then, I bow twice, clap my hands twice, and send up a prayer.
Deirdre: Interesting. What do you pray for? Good luck?
Yuki: Mmm. Partly. Mostly I pray for the people in my life, friends and family. To hope things go well for them.
Deirdre: Do your prayers come true very often?
Yuki: I don't really know for sure. I just put it out there and hope for the best. Sometimes, if something has turned out well, I go back and offer a prayer of gratitude.
Deirdre: Nice. Is that special about praying at a Shinto shrine?
Yuki: Well, the five-yen coin is special because the Japanese word for five yen, "go-en," sounds like the word for fate or good luck. Also, the bowing and clapping is meant to show respect and get the attention of the kami, to connect with something greater than yourself and be mindful of the present. We’re Generation Z, so don’t fully understand all the old ways of Japanese culture. But visiting the shrine helps me feel a bit connected.
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Voice-over
Prayers can be for health, safety, success and gratitude. To entreat and thank the gods that make things happen.
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