Zojoji Temple · Protection

Roly-Poly Black Cat

起き上がり黒猫

$26

US duties included · free tracked shipping on 3 or more charms, mix and match

Standard — Japan Post, tracked (about 3 weeks), $8 (free on 3+) · Express — EMS (about 1 week), $25

A small black cat that always rolls back upright.

Tokyo Omamori Post is an independent shop, not affiliated with or endorsed by Zojoji Temple. The temple name shows where each charm was obtained.

What it means

起き上がり (okiagari) means “getting back up.” Like a daruma doll, it rights itself when tipped over — a wish to recover from any setback. This is a small ornament rather than a charm to carry.

Where it's from

Ordered from the official online 授与所 (charm office) of Zojoji Temple (増上寺), Shiba, Tokyo — at the foot of Tokyo Tower.

How it's traditionally kept

Traditionally an omamori is kept closed — opening it is thought to undo its purpose. Most people carry it in a bag, pocket or wallet, or keep it somewhere clean at home.

In Japan it is common, though not required, to return an omamori to a shrine or temple (not necessarily the same one) after about a year and receive a new one.

Delivery

Ships from Tokyo within 2 business days.