Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Money laundering is a phrase known the world over for turning illegal assets into “clean” money, but the Japanese have a custom that literally involves washing money.

At the beginning of the New Year, many Japanese visit a shrine of good luck where they can perform “Zeniarai,” which can mean washing money.

It is believed that if you wash actual money – or even credit cards – at one of these shrines of good luck, such as KOAMI JINJA Shrine in Ningyocho district central Tokyo, your fortune will increase in the coming year. The custom was initiated by one of Japan’s rulers in the 13th century.

To bless money with good luck, you must purify your hands with the spring water at the shrine and then you must make an offering (money) and say a prayer for good luck, ringing the bell and clapping your hands. Some shrines also require you to light a candle or stick of incense.

You then put your money in a small wicker basket and dip it into the water at the shrine. Legend has it that the money will multiply, and your financial circumstances will improve. Before leaving, you should touch the symbol of the shrine.