This is a Japanese omamori, which roughly translates to amulet or good luck charm. Most omamori are made out of a special kind of Japanese cloth. They are sold at many temples and shrines. It is taboo to look inside omamori or to step on them. It is said that such omamori will not only stop working, but will actually bring bad luck to the carrier.

This omamori is from Konpira Temple.

This is a traffic safety omamori. Many people place them in their cars or in their commuting bags. There are also omamori for health. Anybody can use them, but they are especially popular among the elderly.

This is an omamori especially for academic success. Sometimes, parents buy these for their children upon starting school. At other times, students approaching their entrance exams may carry them.

This is also an academic omamori, but it is made out of leather and resembles the traditional backpacks that elementary school children of Japan carry.