A Special Event in Ebina: 5,940 Wishes Dedicated to Arikajinja Shrine

Ebina Marui, a flagship store of Marui Co., Ltd. based in Nakano, Tokyo, held a unique event recently called "Deliver My Wish to the Night Sky." During this initiative, community members were invited to write their personal wishes or aspirations on colorful strips of paper known as "tanabata" (short strips traditionally used on the Tanabata festival). The collected strips, totaling an impressive 5,940, were later dedicated to the ancient Arikajinja Shrine, said to be the oldest shrine in the Sagami region.

Collecting Wishes: A Community Effort

From July 18 to August 29, 2025, a remarkable number of participants contributed their wishes through this creative project. As part of the initiative, the strips were made from recycled paper, repurposed from leftover materials obtained during the printing process by Tōshō Inban Co., a local Kanagawa-based company. This environmentally conscious effort not only minimized waste but also effectively connected the wishes of the community.

The Colorful Wishes: A Symbol of Values

Participants chose from five distinct colors representing the "Five Virtues" (仁, 義, 礼, 智, 信). Each color corresponds to specific values, allowing individuals to connect their personal sentiments with deeper meanings. Here’s how the wishes broke down:

- Blue (仁 = Compassion and Connection): 1,656 strips (about 28%)
- White (義) = Righteousness and Responsibility: 1,234 strips (approximately 21%)
- Purple (智) = Wisdom and Learning: 1,184 strips (approximately 20%)
- Yellow (信) = Sincerity and Faith: 1,196 strips (approximately 20%)
- Red (礼) = Gratitude and Moderation: 670 strips (approximately 11%)

Notably, the blue strips symbolizing compassion and connection were the most popular. Many participants wrote touching wishes such as, "I wish for my family's health and longevity," "May the children grow up smiling," and "I hope for small happinesses in everyday life."

Dedication to the Historical Shrine

On September 8, 2025, the massive collection of wishes was ceremoniously dedicated to Arikajinja Shrine in Ebina. This ancient shrine has been a spiritual guardian of the community for centuries. The heartfelt sentiments collected from participants were transmitted as prayers during a ceremonial blessing conducted by the shrine's priest, carrying the wishes of the community into the future.

Ceremonial Dedication

A Sustainable Partnership with Local Businesses

The success of this event was further bolstered through a collaboration with Tōshō Inban Co., which provided the necessary materials for the strips. They creatively transformed excess paper, known as "waiting-for-use paper," from the printing process into these meaningful strips, reducing environmental impact while giving them a new life. This initiative aligns with Ebina Marui's previous sustainable projects, such as the "Ring Memo Workshop," reinforcing their commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.

Looking Ahead: Commitment to Community

Moving forward, Ebina Marui aims to continue exploring ways to support the community and contribute to societal well-being. They envision a collaborative effort to enhance the quality of life in Ebina, fostering a sense of togetherness and support among its residents.

For more information about the participating organizations, visit: