'Evil-destroying arrow'. Symbolic arrows sold in various forms at shrines during New Year shrine visits (hatsu-mode) throughout Japan and kept in the home throughout the year to ensure good luck. In the ceremony known as omato-shinji (target rite) at the Hachiman jinja, Tokushima on January 15th, it is children who shoot arrows to dispel evil spirits.
A Popular Dictionary of Shinto. Brian Bocking.