Furoshiki is a Japanese style of gift wrapping that is said to have originated in the Muromachi period (1336-1573). When taking a "Ofuro"(bath), people wrapped their undressed clothes in a cloth with their own family crest so that they would not be mixed with other people's clothes, and when they came out of the "Ofuro"(bath), they prepared themselves on it by placing it under their feet. In the Edo period, furoshiki were used to protect important items in the home and during transportation. Today, furoshiki wrapping is one of Japan's most beautiful gift wrapping techniques when giving presents to loved ones, such as for birthdays.
- What types of furoshiki cloth are available? -
Furoshiki fabric is usually made from natural fibers such as cotton or hemp. These materials are soft and durable, making them ideal for furoshiki wrapping.
1) Cotton
Cotton is soft, comfortable, and breathable. It also absorbs water easily, making it suitable for use as a furoshiki. Cotton furoshiki are common and come in a variety of patterns and colors.
2) Hemp
Hemp is a strong and durable material, and its stiff fibers provide good protection for items wrapped in it when used as a furoshiki. Hemp is also breathable and dries quickly, making it an easy material to use in a variety of situations.
3) Silk
Silk is smooth, shiny, and luxurious. However, silk furoshiki are relatively expensive and require careful handling. They are usually used for special occasions such as gifts.
4) Polyester
In recent years, polyester furoshiki have also become available. Polyester is durable, wrinkle resistant and easy to maintain. The flexibility of the fibers also makes it an easy material to use for wrapping furoshiki.
- What sizes of furoshiki are available? -
The size of a furoshiki is generally expressed in "width," a unit unique to Japan. The wider the cloth, the larger the object that can be wrapped.
The width of a common furoshiki is 9 suns (about 34 cm), which is the basic size of a kimono shaku or whale shaku, and this became the width of a furoshiki. Today, looms have been built to accommodate different widths, and furoshiki are made in widths up to 4 kin (about 130 cm). However, if a furoshiki is to be made in widths of 5 kin or more, it is usually made with a seam.
| Furoshiki Size | Width size | How to use |
| Medium width | about 45cm | Use as a small furoshiki to wrap a noshibukuro |
| Shaku 3 width | about 50cm | For wrapping lunch boxes etc. |
| Shaku 4 width | about 53cm | For wrapping lunch boxes etc. |
| 2 widths | about 68cm | Folding confectionery, a bottle of wine, etc. |
| 2 shaku width | about 75cm | Folding confectionery, a bottle of wine, etc. |
| 24 width | about 90cm | 1 bottle, 2 bottles of wine, bags, etc. |
| 3 widths | about 105cm | Bags, tablecloths, etc. |
| 4 widths | about 130cm | 2 cushions, tablecloths, etc. |
Depending on the width of the furoshiki, the choice can be made according to the item to be wrapped and the purpose of use.
- Paper Wrapping vs Furoshiki Wrapping -
Paper wrapping and furoshiki wrapping are both traditional Japanese wrapping methods, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The characteristics of each are shown below.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Paper Wrapping
◾️Advantages
Paper wrapping is beautifully designed and patterned, and there are many different colors and patterns of wrapping paper. This can enhance the impression of the gift. For products that require a luxurious, high-quality appearance, thicker paper and high-quality printed wrapping can be chosen to enhance the brand image of the product.Paper packaging is relatively easy to use and facilitates the wrapping process. Paper packaging is also convenient because it can be easily disposed of after use.
◾️Disadvantages
Paper packaging has an environmental impact associated with the production and disposal of the wrapping paper. There are concerns about resource consumption and waste, especially when large quantities of wrapping paper are disposed of.
It is also relatively fragile and may lack protection depending on the shape and size of the item.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Furoshiki Wrapping
◾️Advantages
Furoshiki can wrap items of various shapes and sizes. The shape can also be adjusted depending on how it is being wrapped. It is also a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth and is ideal for wrapping gifts or for special events where tradition and culture are important. It is a unique and fashionable wrapping cloth that will delight you when wrapping gifts.Furoshiki are made of fabric and are easily reused. In addition, used furoshiki can be washed and reused, reducing waste.
◾️Disadvantages
Wrapping technique required: Wrapping a furoshiki successfully requires wrapping technique. It can be difficult for beginners to wrap well. Furoshiki can look different depending on how it is wrapped. It can be difficult to achieve a consistent look when wrapping a gift or other item.
- How to Wrap Furoshiki -
1) Hira Wrapping
Hira-tsutsumi is one of the traditional Japanese wrapping methods. Hira-tsutsumi is mainly used to wrap sweets and gifts. Usually, a square or rectangular piece of wrapping paper is used to wrap an object. When wrapping an object, the four corners are folded diagonally, the corners are adjusted according to the shape of the object to be wrapped, and finally the wrapping paper is secured with glue or string. This wrapping method is part of traditional Japanese culture and customs, and is especially common during seasonal and celebratory occasions such as New Year's, mid-year, and year-end gift-giving.
2) Errand Wrapping
Errand wrapping is one of the traditional Japanese wrapping methods used to wrap and carry goods, especially when shopping. The errand wrapping is a convenient way not only to wrap an item with wrapping paper, but also to carry it as it is.
Usually, an errand wrapping is made by cutting the wrapping paper to the appropriate size according to the shape of the product and wrapping the product in the wrapping paper. The top of the paper is then tied or folded on both sides and fastened to prevent the contents from falling out. The edges of the paper can also be folded over to hide the contents.
3) Concealed Wrapping
Hidden wrapping is a wrapping method used primarily for gifts and special items. It is used to conceal the contents of the packaged item or to enhance its appearance.
In concealed wrapping, the wrapping paper is first used to wrap the item, with the edges and excess portions of the wrapping paper folded inward to conceal them. The excess is then tucked inside the paper or secured with glue or tape. By hiding the excess inside the wrapping, the edges of the wrapping paper are not visible from the outside, resulting in a nicer finish.
The purpose of the hidden wrapping is to make it difficult for the recipient to guess what is inside and to enhance the appearance of the gift.
4) Yotsumusubi
Yotsumusubi is a traditional Japanese wrapping technique. Yotsumusubi is mainly used to wrap gifts and sweets. As the name suggests, the edges of the wrapping paper are folded into four, and each end is folded in alternating directions and tied.
Specifically, the edges of the wrapping paper are folded into four, each end is folded alternately inward, and finally the edges of the wrapping paper are folded tightly into a knot. The yotsu-knot is a wrapping method that not only holds the edges of the wrapping paper firmly in place and prevents the contents from falling out, but also makes the wrapping paper look beautiful.
The Yotsubotsuknot is a traditional wrapping method often used for seasonal gifts and celebrations, and is a familiar part of Japanese culture and customs.
- Other uses of Furoshiki -
First, furoshiki is used as a wrapping cloth to wrap and carry things. You can wrap an object in a furoshiki and tie it to a handle for easy carrying. This allows you to carry your belongings safely and easily.
Furoshiki are also used for decoration because of their beautiful patterns and colors. Furoshiki can be displayed on a table or wall or attached to a gift to create an ambience.
Furoshiki is also used as a cloth, taking advantage of its softness and durability. It can be used as a tablecloth, a placemat, a handkerchief, a towel, a bed cover, and many other uses.
Furoshiki can also be enjoyed as an element of fun and games by devising creative ways to fold and tie it. Various games such as origami, games and toys have been invented using furoshiki.
Because of its flexibility and versatility, furoshiki is used for a variety of purposes, from everyday life to special events.
