Kyushu National Museum

Since ancient times, in Eastern philosophy, it has been believed that all things are composed of the five elements—“wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.” These five elements not only influence the workings of the natural world, but are also closely connected to human mind and body, fortune, directions, and the seasons. The philosophy of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements is a natural worldview formed by combining Yin-Yang theory with the Five Elements. It regards the creation and transformation of all things as a cycle of “mutual generation” and “mutual restraint.” “Mutual generation” refers to the elements supporting and generating one another in sequence, while “mutual restraint” refers to them controlling each other to prevent excess. Through this cyclical interaction, balance and the continual creation of all things are maintained. It is said that wood generates fire, fire generates earth, earth generates metal, metal generates water, and water generates wood. Through this cycle of harmony, the order of heaven and earth is sustained. In Japan as well, since ancient times, great importance has been placed on nature and the Five Elements, with gratitude for the blessings of the sun and moon. People greet the sun in the morning, touch the earth, feel the flow of water, listen to the sounds of trees, experience the warmth of fire, and touch metal objects. At night, they gaze up at the moon. By engaging the five senses and experiencing nature, people coexist with nature, reflecting a fundamental philosophy of Japanese life. The Five-Elements omamori (amulet) embodies blessings that harmonize these five forces, helping to regulate the flow of energy in daily life so that one’s innate abilities can be fully expressed. From the five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water—please choose the one you wish to protect or value most, place it in the omamori pouch, and carry it with you as a safeguard.