Do I need prayer beads?
At Buddhist funerals and memorial services, bringing your own juzu is considered proper. Not having one is not a scandal - but since borrowing beads is discouraged (they are personal talismans), owning one as an adult is the comfortable position.
Juzu are not used at Shinto or Christian services.
Informal (ryakushiki) vs. formal (honshiki)
| Informal / one-hand type | Formal type | |
|---|---|---|
| School | Usable in any school | Made to each school's specification |
| Bead count | 22-27 or so (no fixed rule) | The full 108, worn doubled |
| Price | Mostly 3,000-10,000 yen | 10,000 to several tens of thousands |
| Best for | A first juzu; mainly attending | Frequent services in your own school |
When in doubt, the informal type is the answer - the most versatile choice for attending ceremonies. Find informal juzu
Men's vs. women's
- Men's: larger beads (around 10-12mm); ebony, striped ebony and onyx in subdued dark tones are the classics Find men's juzu
- Women's: smaller beads (around 6-8mm); quartz, rose quartz and pearl in lighter tones are also fine Find women's juzu
- There is no unisex juzu - spouses each need their own. Tassel color and shape are a matter of taste
Materials and prices
- Wood (ebony, rosewood, sandalwood): light and easy to handle, around 3,000-10,000 yen; sandalwood adds fragrance
- Natural stone (quartz, onyx, tiger's eye): around 5,000-20,000 yen; pleasant weight, lasting luster
- Plastic or glass: from a few hundred yen - fine in a pinch, but wood or stone rewards long ownership
A juzu is often called a lifetime item; around 10,000 yen buys one you will never need to apologize for.
Holding and storing
- While moving or waiting, hang it on your left wrist or hold it in your left hand, tassel down
- When joining hands, drape it over both hands or the left (formal detail varies by school)
- Never place it directly on a chair or tatami - carry it in a juzu pouch Find juzu pouches
- The incense procedure is covered in Funeral Manners: Incense & Etiquette
Related pages
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Frequently asked questions
Which juzu if I do not know my school?
The informal one-hand type works at any school's services. As a first juzu it is the safe universal choice.
Can spouses share one juzu?
No - juzu are personal talismans, and borrowing or sharing is discouraged. Sizes differ between men's and women's anyway.
Do children need one?
Not required, but children's juzu exist. Worth having if family services come up regularly.
How do I care for it?
Wipe gently with a soft cloth after use and store in its pouch away from sunlight. Keep natural stone away from water; temple-goods shops can replace a worn tassel.
Should I bring juzu to a Christian or Shinto funeral?
No - juzu are Buddhist implements and are not used at Shinto or Christian services.
