Ema are wooden tablets with a picture on the front and space to write a wish on the back. People leave them at shrines to convey a prayer or wish, or to express gratitude for a wish that has been granted, believing that the kami (spirits or gods) will receive them. Their name (literally, “picture horse”) has historical roots: in ancient Japan, people believed that the kami travelled to the human realm on horseback. Many also offered horses to temples and shrines to seek favour with the gods.