Most Japanese people believe in destiny. The term "go-en" (ご縁) refers to those seemingly serendipitous encounters that result in long and meaningful relationships. It would often mean a bond between people but it could also refer to connections with objects (like a house, a painting, or even a favourite teacup!) or a calling. Ask people how their career started, how they met their partners or how they found that perfect piece of furniture. Most answers would probably boil down to a mixture of perseverance and luck. Japanese people would say "Go-en ga arimashita." (ご縁がありました。）There was "go-en" involved in the outcome. It was meant to be!
The Japanese 5-yen coin is also called “go-en” 五円. Because it sounds the same as the “go-en” of destiny, many Japanese people believe that having a 5-yen coin around helps them find what the Universe has in store for them. It could be a soul-mate, a dream job, the perfect house, etc. In shrines and temples, it is also the coin of choice when tossing a token offering into the collection box (賽銭箱 saisen-bako) whilst saying a prayer of thanks and/or a wish for something in the future (in that order). The 5-yen coin helps along the good luck and the serendipity that is actually meant to be!
Extra trivia: Using a 10-yen coin for your prayers and wishes is not advisable. Another word for "10" is "toh" (十). So, the 10-yen coin could be called "toh-en" (十円). Now, another meaning for the word "toh" (遠) is "far" ...and putting them together as "toh-en", it can be written as "遠縁", which means "far destiny"! So the 10-yen coin is something that keeps your destiny out-of-reach!
We made a few items to help keep your lucky 5-yen coin handy, always ready to to attract the good luck in! All hand-made in-house with loving care. Available at the shop while supply lasts.
An origami pouch to keep your 5-yen coin in your wallet or purse.
A crane ornament to display in your home or office.