How To Do Japanese Gift-Wrap
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It's NOT Just Inside That Counts
When it comes to Japanese gifts, it's not the inside that really counts. Gift-wrapping, called tsutsumi, is the most important part of the gift-giving it seems. How you wrap and tie the package is considered especially symbolic and carries a lot of expression about how you feels towards the person and the gesture of giving them a gift.
The wrapping around the gift is seen as being part of the entire gift experience, with the opening and revealing of the contents viewed as one complete experience. In Western culture, gift-wrapping seems mostly just meant to conceal the gift, with unwrapping often being very perfunctory or even crude. Japanese gifts are aestheic and beautiful on the outside, with the same full expression of the culture's love of balance, nature, novelty and simplicty.
The root of the word tsutsumi is the word that means "to refrain" meaning to be discreet or moderate. Simple but gorgeous paper wrapping, tied with gentle natural fibers or thin ribbons make a bold but beautiful understatement when compared to the flashy papers and big bows found in American forms of wrapping.
Gift Wrap and Etiquette Guides
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Gifted Wrapping: Creative Wraps and Ribbons for Every Occasion Step-by-Step Instructions for Stylish and Elegant Gift Wraps for Perfect "Present"ations
Price: $12.84
List Price: $19.99 |
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Quick and Easy Enchanting Gifts Wrapping 149 Items
Price: $8.15
List Price: $13.95 |
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Gift Wrapping with Textiles: Stylish Ideas from Japan
Price: $11.15
List Price: $19.95 |
Wrapping How-To Guides
- Wrap Artist (washingtonpost.com)
Akiko Keene, 62, Japanese gift wrapper Sunday, December 5, 2004 - In Focus: How to use "Furoshiki" [MOE]
The Ministry of the Environment Government of Japan has a guide (PDF) on using cloth as opposed to paper for wrapping gifts to cut down on the wasted paper usually used in gift wrap - Japanese Style Gift Wrapping
Japanese-style gift wrapping for gifts such as a Birthday, Father's Day and Wedding gift, etc. - International Gift-Giving Protocol - Japan
To the Japanese, gift giving is a way of communicating respect, friendship, and appreciation. When meeting with a Japanese colleague or visitor for the first time, always be prepared for the gift giving ritual that has been deeply rooted in the Japan - How to wrapping Shimojima,.co.ltd.
This is the standard procedure for diagonally-wrapping formal gifts.
An English language explanation of Furoshiki
- Gift Wrapping
Books, wrapping papers and more
Find A Furoshiki - the reusable cloth wrapping
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Clifton Karhu Woodblock Print Design Furoshiki Cloth
Current Bid: $34.25
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Japanese Furoshiki Cloth / Red
Current Bid: $19.47
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Beautiful FUROSHIKI 'Blue Rabbit' cloth/wallhanging
Current Bid: $20.40
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Beautiful 'Vermilion Rabbit' FUROSHIKI Japanese Cloth
Current Bid: $20.40
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Kansai Yamamoto Japanese Wrapping Cloth FUROSHIKI, Red
Current Bid: $25.00
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Make a Recycled Pom-Pom!
Washi Paper
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ORIGAMI PAPER BEAUTIFUL 4"JAPANESE YUZEN WASHI 20 SHT
Current Bid: $5.95
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360 Japanese Origami Washi Paper 30 Pattern 7.5cm BNIP
Current Bid: $28.25
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Japanese YUZEN Chiyogami Washi ORIGAMI Paper 10 designs
Current Bid: $.93
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Japanese yuzen washi paper 63cmx93cm origami SAKURA
Current Bid: $8.00
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360 Japanese Origami Washi Paper 30 Pattern 7.5cm BNIP
Current Bid: $28.25
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Japanese yuzen washi paper 63x93cm origami flower ball
Current Bid: $8.00
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History of Tsutsumi
- The Art of Japanese Gift-Giving
The Japanese love to give gifts. This habit is not practiced only on special occasions, but it's widely accepted as giri - a social duty and obligation. Gift-giving is an accepted practice encountered everyday, from taking a little something to a nei - International Gift-Giving Protocol - Japan
To the Japanese, gift giving is a way of communicating respect, friendship, and appreciation. When meeting with a Japanese colleague or visitor for the first time, always be prepared for the gift giving ritual that has been deeply rooted in the Japan - Just so - the art of Japanese gift wrapping - Holiday Guide - MSNBC.com
For the Japanese, the wrapping is almost as important as the gift it contains. Here are tips to emulate this Far Eastern paper art. - TAP Program Notes 2002: Japanese Gift Wraps
Gift giving is a very important aspect of Japanese culture, part of a complex system of obligation and reciprocity. Tradition influences all aspects of the gift-giving ritual, including fitting occasions for gift giving, appropriate gifts, suitable p
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The Wrap Up - comments and feedback
Thanks, cityplus! I'm having fun playing with all this info myself.
Ok, so tonight and tomorrow are the big gift-giving moments.... how's everyone doing on their last-minute wrappings? Anyone need help?
I have to admit I went the easy way out with simple wrapping paper and ribbon. Thankfully, my family isn't as particular as the Japanese about this sort of thing.
I often wrap things with plain brown paper, but studying the Japanese style has let me get more artful with little ribbon touches and other bits.
What a great idea!
good one but heard to undestand so describe normal
Sort of like Origami but for gifts!
This is such a unique idea. I own an online lingerie boutique that specializes in bridal lingerie showers. This would be such a beautiful and creative way to wrap lingerie for sure. Thanks for the info!
Beautiful information!
nice blog ,thank you
These are fantastic gift wrapping creations. I alos believe in recycling and using items to create original giftwrapping presentaions. I would like to invite you to see some of my giftwrapping creations and inspirations with the full instructions, visit www.miycreations.com...Happy gift wrapping! :)
Cool! I like to learn that cloth wrapping though I'm pretty good with the paper wrapping. :)
working
cityplus says:
17 months ago
Wow! I really love this hub. This is a great collection of links and cool videos. Thanks for putting this all together. I think the link on gift giving protocol is very informative.