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“Shūgi” and “Kōden”: Money Gifts Expressing Congratulations or Condolences

  • A colorful assortment of shūgi bukuro envelopes. In general, the larger the amount of the gift, the fancier the envelope used. (© Pixta)

    A colorful assortment of shūgi bukuro envelopes. In general, the larger the amount of the gift, the fancier the envelope used. (© Pixta)

  • Bills used for kōden should not be new, as this carries the implication of having expected the death and prepared in advance; some people make a point of making a fold in fresh bills to “break them in.” It is also customary to insert the bills with the reverse side facing frontward. (© Pixta)

    Bills used for kōden should not be new, as this carries the implication of having expected the death and prepared in advance; some people make a point of making a fold in fresh bills to “break them in.” It is also customary to insert the bills with the reverse side facing frontward. (© Pixta)

  • Shūgi Amounts, by Relationship to the New Couple (Most Cited Amounts)

    Shūgi Amounts, by Relationship to the New Couple (Most Cited Amounts)

  • Kōden Amounts, by Relationship to the Deceased (Most Cited Amounts)

    Kōden Amounts, by Relationship to the Deceased (Most Cited Amounts)

  • Orikata cover folding sequence and mizuhiki positioning. (© Nippon.com)

    Orikata cover folding sequence and mizuhiki positioning. (© Nippon.com)

  • (© Pixta)

    (© Pixta)

  • Examples of noshi. From left, a folded paper containing a long strip representing dried abalone; a simplified representation of noshi; a stylized rendering of noshi (のし) in hiragana. (© Pixta)

    Examples of noshi. From left, a folded paper containing a long strip representing dried abalone; a simplified representation of noshi; a stylized rendering of noshi (のし) in hiragana. (© Pixta)

  • Many envelopes sold in stores come with the purpose of the gift already printed on the envelope. (© Pixta)

    Many envelopes sold in stores come with the purpose of the gift already printed on the envelope. (© Pixta)

  • An envelope-style fukusa silk wrapping cloth. (© Pixta)

    An envelope-style fukusa silk wrapping cloth. (© Pixta)

  • Illustration by Satō Tadashi

    Illustration by Satō Tadashi

  • Kagami mochi at left, and a pochi bukuro envelope at right, which is used to present otoshidama money. Pochi meaning “a little,” signifies it is just a small amount. (© Pixta)

    Kagami mochi at left, and a pochi bukuro envelope at right, which is used to present otoshidama money. Pochi meaning “a little,” signifies it is just a small amount. (© Pixta)

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