Mino is a digital talisman inspired by the tradition of Omamori, designed to provide a sense of safety and home for those living far from their roots.
Category: Tech
Duration: 5 months
Tools: Figma, photoshop, Fusion 360, Blender, Keyshot
Growing up, every visit to Japan to see my family followed a ritual of stopping at a temple or shrine to receive an omamori (Japanese charm). My grandparents would always give me one as a final gesture of protection and care to take back home.
Traditionally, omamori are believed to remain effective for one year and are meant to be returned to the shrine for renewal.
However, because my family only travels to Japan every other year, I often experienced a gap year where my charm was technically expired...
An Omamori (お守り) is a traditional Japanese charm believed to provide a sacred shield of protection and guidance for the person who keeps it nearby.
their protective power, known as shindoku, gradually weakens, and the charm is believed to absorb negative energy on your behalf throughout that time.
omamori use by generation
Older Adults (60+) – 45% regularly use or carry Omamori or engage in similar rituals
Middle-Aged Adults (40–59) – 30% occasional use or passive familiarity
Young Adults (20–39) – 15% limited use, mostly during shrine visits or as souvenirs
buying charms for their aesthetic appeal, popularity on social media, or as a fun, trendy power spot activity, rather than for strict spiritual practice.
chosen omamoris
An omikuji is a traditional Japanese fortune-telling paper found at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, usually obtained by making a small offering and shaking a wooden box to receive a random number.
These slips provide a general luck rating, ranging from great blessing to curse, along with specific advice on aspects of your life like health, romance, and travel.
3 concepts
The Omamori shape carries the weight of intention. It immediately signals protection and home to the user, even before they turn the screen on.
"This shape is perfect, but the circular screen feels a bit squeezed inside it. If the screen fit the house-shape better, I wouldn’t even look at the others."
In Japanese culture, a Mino is traditionally a straw raincoat worn by travelers for protection against the elements.
protection, weaving, and the traveler’s journey
