Japanese Gift Customs: Noshi, Mizuhiki and Furoshiki
Giving a gift in Japan is a small ceremony. The wrapping, the cords, the inscription and even the number of items carry meaning. Many antique and vintage objects come with wrappings and envelopes from this tradition, and anyone choosing a Japanese object as a present may enjoy knowing the customs behind them.
Noshi
A noshi is a small folded paper ornament attached to celebratory gifts. Originally it held a strip of dried abalone, a symbol of long life. Today it is usually printed on special wrapping paper, noshigami, together with decorative cords. Noshi are used for happy occasions, never for condolences.
Mizuhiki cords
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Chōmusubi. A bow that can be untied and retied, for celebrations that may happily recur, such as births, new year and general thanks.
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Musubikiri. A firm knot that cannot be undone, for events that should happen only once, such as weddings, and for condolences.
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Colours. Red and white for celebrations, gold and silver for weddings, and black and white or black and silver for condolences.
Inscriptions
The upper half of the wrapping is inscribed with the purpose of the gift and the lower half with the giver's name. Common phrases include 御祝, congratulations, 寿, long life and celebration, 御礼, thanks, and 内祝, a gift returned to share one's own happiness.
Furoshiki
A furoshiki is a square of cloth used to wrap and carry objects. It can be tied in many ways to hold boxes, bottles or books, and it is often unwrapped in front of the recipient and taken home again. Vintage silk and cotton furoshiki, dyed with family crests or seasonal designs, are collected in their own right.
Seasonal gifts and etiquette
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Ochūgen and oseibo. Summer and year-end gifts sent to people who have helped you during the year.
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Omiyage. Souvenirs brought back from a journey for family, friends and colleagues.
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Both hands. Gifts are offered and received with both hands, often with a modest phrase that plays down the gift's value.
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Numbers. Sets of four and nine are traditionally avoided because their readings sound like the words for death and suffering.
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Opening. Gifts are often opened later rather than in front of the giver.
Choosing a Japanese object as a gift
Tea bowls, sake cups, lacquer and small craft pieces make classic gifts, especially in pairs, which symbolise harmony, or in sets of five. Our curator desk can suggest pieces for an occasion and replies within one to three business days.
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