Newsletter Vol.7

Furoshiki & Bento box

Newsletter Vol.7

Furoshiki
&
Bento box


Eco friendly and reusable wrapping clothes & lunch boxes

In Japan, there is a word "mottainai" that expresses the feeling of not taking things for granted, and the culture of continuing to cherish a single thing has taken root from long ago. For this reason, traditional Japanese products can be used repeatedly for a variety of purposes. They are perfect items to support your sustainable lifestyle. In this issue, we would like to introduce two traditional Japanese sustainable products that can be used repeatedly and with care: wrapping cloth (furoshiki) and lunch boxes (bento boxes)!

Furoshiki      |      Bento box
Furoshiki      |      Bento box
Furoshiki
Furoshiki

Furoshiki is a large square piece of cloth which has been popular in Japan since the eighth century. It is the world's first eco-friendly bag, used for wrapping or carrying items. In the age of the samurai, the Edo Period (1600 - 1867), it started to be used as a bag to carry gear and changes of clothing to the bathhouse, and spread to the masses. Further, unique uses increased in line with the increasing number of those traveling across the country for business and tourism. In addition to being used for interior decoration when spread out, it can also be used for various purposes, such as eco-bags or gift wrapping, by tying the corners of the cloth together! The sustainability of furoshiki, which can be used in a number of ways, has regained attention in recent years. There are various patterns, colors, and textures, so it is easy to express your individuality and you can enjoy choosing patterns.

5 ways to wrap furoshki
1.Standard wrapping
furoshiki

1.Standard wrapping

The most standard way to wrap furoshiki, which can be used to wrap lunch boxes and gifts.

◆How to wrap◆
⓵Place the item to be wrapped in the center of the Furoshiki and wrap it around the front and the back of the Furoshiki.
⓶Lift up the left and right sides.
⓷Tie at the top to complete the wrapping.

2.Four-corner tying
furoshiki

2.Four-corner tying

This wrapping way allows the lid box to be securely fastened as it is tied both vertically and horizontally.

◆How to wrap◆
⓵Place the item to be wrapped in the center of the Furoshiki and tie one diagonal end to end into a true knot.
⓶Make the other diagonal end-to-end a true knot, too.

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3.Cylinder wrapping
furoshiki

3.Cylinder wrapping

This wrapping way is perfect for carrying and storing cylindrical items such as certificates and diplomas.

◆How to wrap◆
⓵Place what you are wrapping in the center, and roll it up, then cross the ends in the middle of the tube and twist.
⓶Turn it over, and bring the ends around to the front, and tie a true knot to complete it!

4.Watermelon wrapping
furoshiki

4.Watermelon wrapping

This wrapping way allows fruits and vegetables to be carried easily and comfortably!

◆How to wrap◆
⓵Unroll the Furoshiki and tie the adjacent ends together.
⓶Place the item to be wrapped inside the Furoshiki.
⓷Lift the knots on both sides.

5.Bottle wrapping
furoshiki

5.Bottle wrapping

This wrapping way neatly holds a single vertical bottle, such as a bottle of sake or a bottle of wine.

◆How to wrap◆
⓵Place the bottle in the center.
⓶Lift the diagonal ends together and tie them on the lid.
⓷With the unknotted end and the tied end, cross them on the other side of the bottle and pull them toward you.
⓸Tie it in the front!

1/5
Enjoy a traditional Japanese art "Ukiyo-e" with furoshiki  
 
48 Ukiyo-e | South Wind,Clear Sky
Navy blue

Yamada seni Co., Ltd.

48 Ukiyo-e | South Wind,Clear Sky Navy blue

Yamada seni Co., Ltd.

Among Furoshiki registered on Japan Street, we will introduce the strikingly impressive ones with Japanese-style patterns. The “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku Sanjurokkei),” made by one of Japanese most famous ukiyo-e artists, Katsushika Hokusai, are used as models for this furoshiki. The splashes and clouds are subtly pearlized, making these products luxurious.

When opened, the patterns can be enjoyed like a painting, and even when folded, various patterns catch the eye depending on the folded location. The Japanese-style patterns and colors drawn with Mt. Fuji make them perfect gifts!

Yamada Seni is a long-established furoshiki store with 85 years of history and over 500 varieties of furoshiki! We hope you will try to find your very own favorite furoshiki.

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2/5
Colorful furoshiki with plant and fruit patterns unique to Japan
 
Okamisan no
Large Furoshiki

Miyamoto Co., Ltd.

Okamisan no Large Furoshiki

Miyamoto Co., Ltd.

Here is a cute furoshiki with a retro and modern pattern. They have pop patterns of Mt.Fuji, cherry blossom, pine, bamboo, plum, chrysanthemum and other uniquely Japanese plants and fruits. You will definitely fall in love with the vibrant colors!

This furoshiki is made of cotton shantung, a natural fabric with an attractive irregular horizontal stripe, and is characterized by its extremely strong construction.

This is the most common size of the large furoshiki, called Futa-haba, which is approximately 70 cm square and can be used for a variety of wrapping such as confectionery folds and wine bottles. They also have a small furoshiki, called Ishisan-haba, which is approximately 50cm square. This size is perfect for lunch box wrapping, kneeling, etc., and is easy to use in everyday life!

Here is a cute furoshiki with a retro and modern pattern. They have pop patterns of Mt.Fuji, cherry blossom, pine, bamboo, plum, chrysanthemum and other uniquely Japanese plants and fruits. You will definitely fall in love with the vibrant colors!

This furoshiki is made of cotton shantung, a natural fabric with an attractive irregular horizontal stripe, and is characterized by its extremely strong construction.

This is the most common size of the large furoshiki, called Futa-haba, which is approximately 70 cm square and can be used for a variety of wrapping such as confectionery folds and wine bottles. They also have a small furoshiki, called Ishisan-haba, which is approximately 50cm square. This size is perfect for lunch box wrapping, kneeling, etc., and is easy to use in everyday life!

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3/5
Elegant small patterned furoshiki with auspicious patterns
 
Small woven Furoshiki

Yamakuchi Orimono Yozando Co., Ltd.

Small woven Furoshiki

Yamakuchi Orimono Yozando Co., Ltd.

This furoshiki is a casual way to enjoy “Yonezawa-ori”
―― a traditional weave with a 250-year history in Yonezawa, Yamagata. It is reversible because of its two-piece jacquard weave with a wind-through jacquard structure. It is made of 100% cotton and machine washable. Highly absorbent, it is perfect for lunch box wrappers and large handkerchiefs.

The fine classical patterns, which have been considered as "good-luck patterns" since ancient times, are typically expressed by dyeing with printing techniques, but these products are done by weaving.

Each of the 5 patterns has its own meaning. It is also fun to choose according to these meanings and the colors that you like!

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4/5
Perfect for children's everyday use!
Furoshiki made of machine washable material
 
Japanese cotton
Furoshiki "Hedgehog"

Asahi Consulting Co., Ltd.
(KYOYO ASAHI-YA)

Japanese cotton Furoshiki "Hedgehog"

Asahi Consulting Co., Ltd.
(KYOYO ASAHI-YA)

These products are designed with cute and rhythmic animal patterns in easy-to-use basic colors. Hedgehogs in various poses, such as curled up or lying on their backs, delight users.
Showing the navy-blue border gives it a tight design, while hiding it gives it more of a “pop” design.
As the material is washable in the laundry machine, the more it's used, the more distinguished it becomes. The gentle pattern is also perfect for kids!

These products are designed with cute and rhythmic animal patterns in easy-to-use basic colors. Hedgehogs in various poses, such as curled up or lying on their backs, delight users.
Showing the navy-blue border gives it a tight design, while hiding it gives it more of a “pop” design.
As the material is washable in the laundry machine, the more it’s used, the more distinguished it becomes. The gentle pattern is also perfect for kids!

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5/5
Eco-bag!? Furoshiki in the shape of a bag with long handles  
 
AZUMA BAG

Biken Textile Co.,Ltd.

AZUMA BAG

Biken Textile Co.,Ltd.

to make it suitable for everyday use. It has a large capacity to hold six 2-liter plastic bottles, and the gorgeous patterns make it fashionable.

What makes these products special is the material. First, inkjet printing is used in consideration of environmental issues. The eco-friendly manufacturing process is noteworthy because it uses 95% less water than conventional dyeing methods and does not require the disposal of waste liquid, which leads to environmental pollution. Furthermore, the polyester material is hygienic, with fabric that can be easily washed even if soiled.

Read about Bento Boxes >

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INFORMATION


Find more products on Special Page!

Japan Street introduces more than 100 types of furoshiki, including beautifully patterned furoshiki, functional furoshiki and so on. We also feature bento(lunch) boxes that make great gifts when paired with furoshiki. Please take a look at our special page to see Japanese products!


Find more products on Special Page!


Japan Street introduces more than 100 types of furoshiki, including beautifully patterned furoshiki, functional furoshiki and so on. We also feature bento(lunch) boxes that make great gifts when paired with furoshiki. Please take a look at our special page to see Japanese products!


Free of charge!?
What can Japan Street do for you!

If you are interested in any of the products listed below, please feel free to contact us for a quote or business meeting request, etc. Japan Street will contact Japanese companies for business meetings and coordinate the schedule to ensure smooth business negotiations. We can also arrange interpreters and facilitate business meetings on the day of the meeting, if desired. All of these services are free of charge. We can also search for products from all over Japan according to your requests.


Free of charge!?
What can Japan Street do for you!


If you are interested in any of the products listed below, please feel free to contact us for a quote or business meeting request, etc. Japan Street will contact Japanese companies for business meetings and coordinate the schedule to ensure smooth business negotiations. We can also arrange interpreters and facilitate business meetings on the day of the meeting, if desired. All of these services are free of charge. We can also search for products from all over Japan according to your requests.




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