Shinsen (Sacred Lottery)

Shinsen (神籤, also read as “mikuji”) is the classical term for omikuji. It refers to the sacred lots used to ascertain divine will when asking the gods a question. The word combines “shin” (神, god) and “sen/kuji” (籤, lot). When the honorific prefix “o” (お) was added, it became the familiar word omikuji that is used today.

Variations in written form

Throughout history, omikuji has been written with several different kanji combinations. You can still find these older forms in the historical records of shrines and temples that sell omikuji.

• Shinsen / 神籤 (a lot addressed to the gods; common in Shinto contexts)
• Mikuji / 御籤 (the honorific “go/mi” + lot; common in Buddhist temple contexts)
• Jintou / 神鬮 (an archaic form; same meaning as shinsen)
• Omikuji / おみくじ (the standard modern spelling in hiragana)

The character 籤 (kuji, lot) is thought to derive from “kuki” (茎, plant stem), referring to the practice of drawing lots made from bamboo or wooden sticks cut to equal lengths.

When was this word used?

The term shinsen was originally used in any situation requiring divine guidance, including:

• National decisions (timing of battles, order of succession)
• Choosing heirs and successors
• Assigning roles in religious ceremonies
• Personal divination

Over time, the practice shifted from solemn political decision-making to personal fortune-telling, eventually evolving into the casual “fun little ritual” that omikuji represents today.

”Mikuji” vs. “omikuji”

In everyday conversation, people say “omikuji.” In historical texts and shrine records, you will encounter “shinsen,” “mikuji,” or “gosen.” The difference in meaning is negligible; it is essentially a matter of formality in written language.

For more on the history of omikuji, see the column The history and origins of omikuji.

Shinsen in the context of Yuru Omikuji

This site offers a modern “Yuru Omikuji,” but its design philosophy is rooted in the old idea of “asking the gods.” We have simply replaced it with something lighter: asking yourself how you feel right now.