Shrine staff at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura. A total of 245,000 arrows are being made. Source: Yomiuri Shimbun
Lucky arrows, hamaya, are symbols of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, the god who protects samurai.
The lucky arrows are believed to ward off demons and bring blessings such as good performance on entrance exams.
Read more about Arrow divination and the yakudoshi custom in Japan
JAPANESE MYTHOLOGY & FOLKLORE 