Fukubukuro (福袋) literally means lucky bag. A Japanese tradition where during the new year several stores sell mysterious bags containing various products inside.
The bags are sold at a good price, some may contain rare and valuable goods, others have some useless goods. As an incentive, stores usually sell expensive or luxury products, and raffle prizes or trips.
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Where to find a Fukubukuro?
Fukubukuro are sold during the new year anywhere from candy stores, electronics and even clothing. In clothing stores, bags are often organized by size and gender.
In some cases, people line up to buy Fukubukuro from a famous brand like Apple. The Japanese see the purchase of these surprise bags as something fun and enjoyable. Some people often get together to open the bags together and exchange the items they don't want with others.
Fukubukuro prices vary greatly depending on the products. Most stores sell bags priced from 5,000 to 15,000 yen, but in some luxury stores they can go up to 200,000 yen.
Utsubukuro - The bags of evil
Many people are not satisfied with what they find inside Fukubukuro, when this happens it is called Utsubukuro. The word Utsusubukuro (鬱袋) literally means depression bag. Some stores can't get rid of last year's stocks, and take advantage of bags to get rid of useless products or products that don't sell.
Some stores are breaking the surprise tradition and using clear bags to reveal to people what they are taking home. Some are even showing the contents of the bag.
Finally, let's leave a video of the Aquipode channel, where he is opening a Fukubukuro from the beginning of 2015.