With an estimated 80,000 shrines and 77,000 temples in Japan, there's no doubt that prayer and spirituality are important parts of the culture here. A special event at the Musashino Art University Museum looks at around 100 items related to prayer made of natural materials including paper, wood, and straw.

Pieces like ema, (the small wooden plaques hung at shrines or temples with prayers or wishes on them), papier-mâché daruma dolls, and wara ningyō (a type of straw doll used to ward off evil) are just a few examples of what will be on display at the event.

Admission to the special exhibition is free.