XはYです

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Here are the key points of this lesson: Omission of the subject (Xは) Using 'は' for clarity Nouns in Japanese” Omission of the subject (Xは) In Japanese, sentences often omit subjects when the context makes them clear, unlike in English where subjects like "I" or "it" are typically included.  For example, "I am a student," "My major is Japanese language," and "It is 12:30" translate into Japanese as "がくせいです," "にほんごです," and "12じはんです," respectively, without direct subjects. Using 'は' for clarity If the context doesn't provide clarity, Japanese sentences can start with a topic marked by "wa" (は in hiragana), indicating "As for X, it is Y.” For example,  “わたしは がくせいです" (As for me, I am a student), “せんこうは にほんごです" (As for my major, it is Japanese language), and "じかんは12じはんです" (As for the current time, it is 12:30). The particle "wa" (は), used to denote ...
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Omikuji

Omikuji (おみくじ）



Have you drawn an Omikuji when visiting a shrine to predict your fortune for the future?


Omikuji is a paper slip with the result of fortune-telling written on it. The contents of the Omikuji show a persona's overall fortune for their future as well as a prediction for their health, work, love, business, study and travel. The descriptions of good luck are Daikichi (大吉) and Chuukchi (中吉), Chookichi(小吉)/Suekichi(末吉), while the bad fortune is Kyoo(凶) and Daikyoo(大凶). In addition, some Omikuji include poems that give us guidelines for daily life. The most important thing about Omikuji is not just to draw them for good or bad luck but to use their contents as a guideline for your future life. 



Do you take your Omkuji home or leave it in the shrine?


Some people say if your Omikuji shows bad luck, you should tie it to a tree branch or strings in the shrine so that the gods in the shrine purify your Omikuji. However, according to the Association of Shinto Shrines, you can take Omikuji (even if it's bad luck one) home since it gives you guidance in your daily life.



Reference

About random fortunes (omikuji). Association of Shinto Shrines (Jinja Honcho). (2018, December 5). Retrieved July 10, 2022, from https://www.jinjahoncho.or.jp/omairi/osahou/omikuji. 


Location: Japan

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