Making an Omamori Keychain
What is an Omamori Charm?
Omamori ((御守/お守り) are Japanese luck charms which are often sold at shrines. They are believed to bring good luck, protection, and specific blessings depending on their type.
There are 7 main types of Omamori however there are countless others and contain prayers inside to ward off bad luck and attract good fortune. If the pouch is opened the good luck escapes and is rendered completely useless.
Omamori has been integrated in pop culture now and often have characters such as Ghibli, Sanrio and other popular characters.
The 'Modern' Omamori
When I visited Japan, many people wore small keychains on their bags as a sign of self identity and due to the rise of 'kawaii' culture.
But this goes further back to the tradition of Omamori: amulets for both luck and spiritual protection.
The charm craze has gone beyond in Japan specifically with high end brands creating exclusive charms into their collections. Keychains; once seen as a playful accessory are now a status, personality and a collaboration between the old traditions and the new pop culture.
