Kinpuu and noshibukuro - Money envelopes in Japan

In Japan, there is a culture of giving money inside envelopes. This custom is common at weddings, year-end, New Year, gratitude, and also among relatives, friends, and children. These special envelopes are called kinpuu (金封) or noshibukuro (のし袋). These envelopes can usually be found in markets, stationery stores, konbini, and other shops. You can find inexpensive packs and more elaborate handmade versions.

The envelope is decorated with a cord or bow called mizuhiki, together with formal writing on the front. Celebratory envelopes also carry a noshi in the corner, a paper stand-in for noshi-awabi: a thin strip of dried abalone that used to travel with gifts as a wish for long life and protection.

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Occasions for Giving Money Envelopes

There are types of envelopes for each occasion. Below we will see what each occasion is called, its meaning, and which envelope belongs to that occasion.

Gokekkon iwai (ご結婚祝い) or goshuugi (ご祝儀) is the envelope given at a wedding as a gift and a blessing for the marriage. For couples who are about to become parents, they usually receive an envelope as thanks, and the occasion is called shussan iwai.

Otoshidama (お年玉) is the New Year money that parents and other relatives give to children, usually in a small pochi-bukuro. Nyuugaku iwai is the occasion when parents and relatives give envelopes to children on the first day of school. Sotsugyou iwai is when a school stage ends, such as elementary or high school.

At the end of the year (oseibo) in December, gratitude is often shown with a seasonal gift, and a kinpuu can be used when that thanks is given as money. When a friend is ill (omimai), or in the case of a death (koden, ご香典), you can also give a money envelope, thus showing care. After a favor (orei), you can gift that person the same way.

Types and Parts of Kinpuu or Noshibukuro

The traditional money envelope usually has the name of the giver and the amount offered. In addition, they are tied in a way and a color that indicate their purpose. Gold and silver threads are used for weddings, red and white for happy occasions, and black and white for sad occasions such as deaths. Funeral envelopes leave the noshi off.

In the first image (top left), we have a type of knot called hana musubi. It is usually used in envelopes given to couples who have had a baby and children who have entered a new school. The bow can be untied and tied again, which is why it belongs to occasions people are glad to see repeated.

The second image (top right) features an impossible-to-untie knot called musubi-kiri. This knot is found in envelopes that are gifted at weddings or funerals.

The third image shows a knot called awaji musubi. This knot represents a long and good relationship between people and can be used on happy or sad occasions, with the color of the cord carrying the difference.

How to Prepare the Envelope

Store-bought kinpuu often include an inner envelope, the nakabukuro. The amount is written there, and the giver's name goes on the lower front of the outer envelope. Many envelopes already print the purpose: 寿 (kotobuki) or 御祝 (oiwai) for congratulations, and 御霊前 (goreizen) for a funeral when the family's religion is unknown.

For a celebration, people look for crisp new bills. For koden, used bills are preferred, because a brand-new note can look as if the death had been expected. If only new bills are on hand, they are often folded once. Wedding gifts commonly use an odd amount such as 30,000 yen for a friend. Even totals are avoided so the gift does not suggest a split, and four and nine are avoided because they sound like death and suffering. Koden for a colleague or acquaintance is often around 5,000 yen, with closer relationships giving more.

The envelope is usually carried in a fukusa cloth so it stays clean, then handed over with both hands at the reception desk.

There are many other types of knots, shapes, and decorations involving flowers and other elements of Japanese culture. If you have ever received or given one of these envelopes, the color and the knot were already telling you what kind of occasion it was.