Good Luck Charms of Edo

“Rake in fortune for the New Year”

“Otorisama-Rooster” fairs are held on the grounds of rooster-related shrines around Asakusa every November on the zodiac’s “Days of the Rooster”. The focus of these fairs is the “rake of good fortune” that are sold. The rakes-Kumade are supposed to increase the buyer’s business and income, to “rake in wealth.” These, along with images of Japanese sea bream and boats bearing the seven gods of fortune, are the most common good luck charms in Japan. These rakes are especially popular among merchants who buy a new one each year to attract more business, each year’s rake bigger than the last.