Take a look around you, people. Everywhere we go, we’re surrounded by take away bags. I often don’t think twice about the bag I leave a store with unless there’s some sort of fancy branding or fun handle. But after discovering the Japanese art of Furoshiki, all them plastic bags I see on the street are lame sauce.

Sure does beat your regular old wrapping.

A little background on the art of Furoshiki:

It’s a type of traditional wrapping cloth that used to be used to transport anything from clothing to gifts. It’s pretty old, dating back to about 710 A.D. The name “Furoshiki” means “bath spread” and comes from an old practice of using cloth to bundle clothes together while at a public bath. Even before that, Furoshiki were also known as “Hiradzutsumi” which were flat bundles. Over time, Furoshiki were used by merchants to transport their goods, to protect items and to decorate gifts.

These days, Furoshiki has become less popular with plastic bag’s rise to popularity, but one form is still commonly used: bento boxes! People are still a big fan of this because the wrapping doubles as a place mat. 

You guys just think of everything, don’t you? Can I have some of your chicken? Thanks.

Now that’s what I call a nice picnic lunch.

There are all sorts of ways to wrap Furoshiki, think of it as a cool kind of gift wrap origami (just don’t tell origami that or it’ll get all huffy.) Here are a few examples:

Best part? No papercuts!

What else is so cool about this tradition? It’s mega eco-friendly! So friendly, in fact, that the Japanese government is trying to bring Furoshiki back into popular culture. It’s a great option for you kids who like to use your own tote at the supermarket, or who want to add an extra something to your gift wrap (not to mention an extra present - you’re so nice!)

If you’re interested in learning more about this totally radical and ancient art, check out the Furoshiki website. You can even buy your own wrappings and accessories. My favorites are the Palace, Kagome (or basket weave) and the Animal.

Fancy!

You can also learn how to fold a Furoshiki here and here. You’ll never have to ask your friend to hold the middle of your ribbon to make a bow ever again.

Happy wrapping! Until next time…

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