Collection: Ceremonial Items

Convenient to Have on Hand: “Celebratory Items”

Celebratory items selected by a calligraphy specialty store. We offer noshi envelopes, ceremonial supplies, plain envelopes, and small gift envelopes.
We also carry popular items such as Haibara products and Furukawa Paper Works' Mino washi.
Please take a look.

Traditional Japanese Etiquette Worth Preserving

Japan has long valued customs related to gift-giving.
Even today, although simplified, it remains important to show consideration through gift-giving etiquette.
Please use these items for joyous occasions such as weddings or childbirth celebrations.

Column on Celebratory ItemsKEIJIYOHIN Column

Gift-Giving Etiquette

From ancient times, Japanese life has included etiquette for ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, and other rites. Gifts are always a part of these events.
Many people wonder, “Which noshi envelope should I use?”
Here we provide a simple and clear explanation. Please use it as a reference when in doubt.

“Goshugi-bukuro” and “Fushugi-bukuro”

Generally, celebratory envelopes (“goshugi-bukuro”) are used for joyous occasions such as weddings or childbirth.
Condolence envelopes (“fushugi-bukuro”) are used for funerals or memorial services.
“Goshugi-bukuro” are decorated with festive colors and patterns, such as red and white or gold, and come in a variety of designs.
In contrast, “fushugi-bukuro” are subdued, using colors such as black and white or yellow and white.
In the Kansai region, yellow-white is often used to represent a softened form of mourning compared to strict black.
Because customs vary by region, when in doubt, it is best to ask the recipient’s family or neighbors.

Mizuhiki Knots: “Cho-musubi” and “Musubi-kiri”

Celebratory envelopes are decorated with decorative cords called “mizuhiki.” There are two main types: “cho-musubi” (butterfly knot) and “musubi-kiri” (tight knot).
Depending on the knot style, color, and number of cords, the meaning changes.
Understanding these meanings will help you choose appropriately.

Cho-musubi
This is essentially a bow knot. Because it can be tied and untied repeatedly, it is used for occasions that may happen many times, such as moving, childbirth, return gifts, thanks, or greetings.

Musubi-kiri
This is a tight knot that cannot be untied once tied, symbolizing “only once.” It is used for both celebrations and condolences.
For example, for weddings, condolence offerings, get-well wishes, or recovery celebrations.

Number of Mizuhiki Strands

The number of cords also has meaning—the more strands, the more formal the envelope. Five cords is standard, but there are also three, seven, and ten.
For weddings, ten red-and-white cords are considered formal, symbolizing multiple layers of joy. Depending on the amount of money, simplified versions with five or three cords may also be used.
Recently, simplified designs and more decorative styles have become common.