Buddhist Prayer Beads information

Japanese Buddhist rosary is called Juzu or Nenju.
They are roughly divided into two types: formal one (for two hands) and simplified one (for one hand). Furthermore, the arrangement and interpretations of the bead vary according to the particular religion or school.

Omodama : Formal types of juzu have 108 beads of 'Omodama'. The number of 108 represents the number of earthly desires. Meanwhile in Vajrayāna school, they are representations of kings in Vajradhatu. The number of simplified type's Omodama varies from 18-37.

Oyamdama : Juzu has one or two 'Oyadamas'. Usually, they means subjects of faith in each school such as Shakyamuni Buddha or Amitābha.

Shitendama, Nitendama : Four or two beads which are smaller than Omodama and lie between Omodama. They mean the four heavenly kings or four Bodhisattvas.