How To Do Japanese Gift-Wrap

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By relache


A simple tea whisk becomes a stunning package when wrapped with paper and ribbon accents.
A simple tea whisk becomes a stunning package when wrapped with paper and ribbon accents.

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.


Shown here, some lovely Furoshiki, or cloth wrapping.
Shown here, some lovely Furoshiki, or cloth wrapping.




An English language explanation of Furoshiki


The Wrap Up - comments and feedback

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cityplus profile image

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.

relache profile image

relache  says:
17 months ago

Thanks, cityplus! I'm having fun playing with all this info myself.

relache profile image

relache  says:
17 months ago

Ok, so tonight and tomorrow are the big gift-giving moments.... how's everyone doing on their last-minute wrappings? Anyone need help?

livelonger profile image

livelonger  says:
16 months ago

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.

relache profile image

relache  says:
16 months ago

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.

mike  says:
14 months ago

What a great idea!

virender  says:
13 months ago

good one but heard to undestand so describe normal

intimo lingerie consultant  says:
12 months ago

Sort of like Origami but for gifts!

Stephanie  says:
10 months ago

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!

Patty Inglish, MS profile image

Patty Inglish, MS  says:
9 months ago

Beautiful information!

munia  says:
9 months ago

nice blog ,thank you

MaddyLane  says:
5 months ago

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! :)

crazycat profile image

crazycat  says:
4 months ago

Cool! I like to learn that cloth wrapping though I'm pretty good with the paper wrapping. :)

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