Shinsen (Sacred Lottery)

Last updated 2026-10-04

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 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.

Written form	How the characters work, and the reading	Where you see it
神籤	“shin” (god) + “sen/kuji” (lot): a lot addressed to the gods. Read shinsen, or mikuji	Shinto contexts, such as the historical notices posted at shrines
御籤	The honorific “go/mi” + “kuji” (lot). Read mikuji	Buddhist temple contexts
神鬮	鬮 carries the same meaning as 籤. Read jintou	An archaic form, almost never seen today
おみくじ	The honorific “o” + “mikuji”, written in hiragana	The standard modern spelling, and everyday speech

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 situations 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 the written forms 神籤 and 御籤. 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.