Furoshiki: A Reintroduction into Our Eco-Friendly Generation

A piece of traditional Japanese history is being rediscovered as an eco-friendly method of gift wrapping and carrying goods.

Furoshiki is the Japanese art form of aesthetically folding square-shaped material for practical purposes, such as gift wrapping, transporting daily items or even as decoration. Incorporating traditional Japanese history into gift-giving celebrations has elevated the art of present wrapping, all while reducing our carbon footprint.

Furoshiki, which refers to both the method and to the cloth itself, has been given a new lease of life in this age of eco-friendly living, as many people are seeing the environmental benefits of the reusable cloth. 

The sustainability of furoshiki is extended into gift giving, as the social protocol of giving a gift wrapped in furoshiki, is to return the cloth to the sender after unwrapping the present, allowing the material to be repurposed again in the future.

Gift-giving is a love language, and putting thought and effort into the way it’s presented is an extension of that care. The consideration in choosing colors and patterns that the receiver likes, along with choosing the way the material is lovingly folded, demonstrates that thoughtfulness. Furoshiki is a true representation of the attention to detail that is prevalent in Japanese culture.

The history of furoshiki

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Today’s beloved furoshiki was given its name around 600 years ago, during the Muromachi period. A Shogun named Yoshimitsu Ashikaga created a large bathhouse in his Kyoto residence and invited many other high-ranking lords to visit. To ensure the lords didn’t confuse their belongings, they would wrap their kimonos and personal items in a furoshiki (furo 風呂, bath, and shiki 敷, spread) usually emblazoned with their family crest. It was also common to spread the material across the floor to stand on while getting dressed.

It wasn’t long before furoshiki rippled out to the public, sparking a new trend for transporting goods. From carrying shopping to elaborately wrapped sake bottles, furoshiki became a household necessity.

Today, furoshiki is still commonly used to carry bento boxes to school and to hanami (cherry blossom viewing parties). It’s loved by gift-givers as a personal touch to elevate the craft of wrapping.

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Traditionally, the colors chosen for furoshiki reflected the occasion it would be used for. Warm colors, reds and oranges, were used for celebrations such as weddings and birthdays. Darker colors would be used for more somber events like funerals.

Like with many things across Japan, the four seasons have a great influence on patterns and designs. Furoshiki can be embellished with bursts of cherry blossom for spring, and clusters of maple leaves for autumn. Animal patterns are also a popular choice for those wishing to invite luck, especially fabrics featuring the zodiac animals. 2023 is the year of the rabbit, so keep your eyes peeled for rabbit-adorned furoshiki!

Japanese furoshiki can be made from a variety of materials, best suited to its intended use. Popular materials include silk, cotton, nylon and polyester. Silk should be saved for expensive gifts or very special occasions, whereas cotton is preferred as a more durable and affordable alternative.

Furoshiki is usually hemmed to be more aesthetic, as well as to strengthen the fabric. Take care not to confuse furoshiki with tengui. Tengui (te 手, hand, and nugu 拭, wipe) is made from thin cotton, and its main purpose is for wiping hands or dabbing sweat. The edges are not usually hemmed, as it’s just for personal use.

How to fold furoshiki

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There are multiple ways furoshiki can be folded, depending on the gift and situation. One of the beauties of furoshiki is how customizable it is. The gift giver can choose the material, design and however elaborate they want the wrapping style, the possibilities are endless!

Below are a couple of furoshiki wrapping techniques to get you started.

Otsukai-dutsumi is one of the most popular wrapping methods, its simple but chic form can be used for everyday items or to present a gift for a special occasion.

1. Place the fabric down in a diamond shape, then place your box in the center of the square.
2. Fold the bottom point up over the box, and tuck it underneath. Bring the top corner of the fabric down over the box.
3. Use the two side pieces to tie a simple knot, followed by another knot for security. Tease the fabric ties in a bow.

Bin-tsutsumi is best for wrapping bottles, particularly for gifts. Topped with an effortless-looking knot, your bottle is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

1. Place the fabric down in a diamond shape, then place your bottle upright in the center of the square.
2. Pull two opposite corners of fabric over the top of the bottle, and tie in a knot.
3. Hold the remaining two corners and wrap them around the bottle in opposite directions, and finish by tying them in a bow.

Where can I buy furoshiki?

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Musubi has over 500 different furoshiki made from a range of fabrics, including cotton, silk and linen. They often collaborate with contemporary artists to create unique designs. Musubi originated in Kyoto and now has a store in Jingumae.

Address: 2-31-8, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001

Karakusaya offers a wide range of furoshiki styles, you can find everything from traditional to modern designs. If you’re struggling to master your wrapping technique, Karakusaya holds workshops free of charge. You can find their store in Nihonbashi.

Address: Morimoto Building 7-2, Tomizawacho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0006

Have you ever used furoshiki? Let us know in the comments below!