Called ’ema’ (絵馬) in Japanese, these wooden plaques are a common sight at Shinto shrines in Japan. Japanese write prayers on these wooden tablets and hang them at the shrine.

As explained by Wikipedia, “Ema are sold for various wishes. Common reasons for buying a plaque are for success in work or on exams, marital bliss, to have children, and health. Some shrines specialize in certain types of these plaques, and the larger shrines may offer more than one. Sales of ’ema’ help support the shrine financially.