Extra-large Ema and 15,487 wish cards collected
from all over Japan were dedicated to
the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine!
February is exam season. To support student exam takers, the ANA Group sets up an extra-large ema (special wooden tablet) and wish cards at every airport in Japan for a limited time every year, which have been purified with prayers for passing exams from the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Fukuoka prefecture.
Students and their family members who go through the airport can write their wishes on the wish cards and hang them on the extra-large ema. After that, ANA Group employees in Fukuoka dedicate the extra-large ema and wish cards collected from around Japan to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
This initiative started at Fukuoka Airport in 1993. Currently, it has expanded to 18 airports and one branch across Japan, celebrating its 28th year this year.
Dazaifu Tenmangu is the venerable head shrine of approximately 12,000 shrines across Japan dedicated to Michizane Sugawara, known as the god of education, and many students visit every year to offer prayers so they can pass their exams.
On February 7 this year, a ceremony was held at the main shrine to offer prayers and dedicate the ema filled with everyone’s wishes.
The participants of the ceremony commented:
"I was so excited to see so many wishes. I participated in the dedication with the wish that the students would do their best." (Ms. Saito and Ms. Ohya, Fukuoka Airport Ground Staff)
"I originally planned this event because I wanted to do something for the students, and the number of employees involved at the airports and events is increasing every year, so I feel that the circle of support for the students is spreading nationwide. I want to continue bringing the wish cards to Dazaifu Tenmangu with the wishes of the students, families and friends, with all my heart." (Ms. Kubo of ANA Sales Kyushu branch office in charge of the student support event)
"A lot of students are studying diligently every day for their exams. They may feel anxious, but it would be great if their prayers to the god will help calm their nerves to take their exams." (“Gonnegi” Nomura of the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine)
The ANA Group will continue to wish for everyone’s happiness and health and contribute to a brighter future.
