Explore Japanese Culture

The 12th annual Sakura-Con show held in Seattle, WA celebrates Japanese culture, animation and comics.  Ecoshikis is a proud sponsor of the Five-For Magazine booth showcasing Japanese music.  Artists and enthusiasts of Japanese arts and media should attend the show at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center April 10th-12th.  This event is organized by the non-profit ANCEA (Asia Northwest Culture and Education Association) to educate the public about popular and traditional Japanese media.

Ecoshikis at Bargain Hunting 101!

Furoshiki fans, visit us at Bargain Hunting 101 at the Crystal Ballroom Sunday, Feb. 1st.  We are selling past inventory at great savings.  We have silks, cotton prints, solids and two red fabrics to wrap that special gift for your valentine.  We'd love to see you at the sale!  Look who's at Bargain Hunting 101!

a history of furoshiki

Wrapping items is practiced worldwide across many cultures to carry belongings.  In Japan, the idea dates back to the Nara period (eighth century).

Furoshikis, a square cloth, became named and popularized during the Edo Period (1603-1868) as public bathhouses became common.  The word "furo" translates as bath and "shiki" means to spread.  These wrapping cloths were used to carry belongings to the baths and to spread upon the floor when stepping from the bath.

Around 1900 as textile production grew the tradition evolved to become the refined Japanese art of gift presentation.  Politeness, dignity and respect was expressed through a simple gift wrapped in a furoshiki.

By the 1940's the growth of foreign influences in post WWII Japan had seen the tradition decline to near extinction.  By 1970, with plastic boxes and bags as a common practice in Japan as in the US, the furoshiki was all but lost.  

Today the furoshiki has again been embraced for its ability to be used and reused to carry produce from the market, to wrap a lunch, use as a picnic cloth, to decorate your home, or to wrap a gift as an expression of care.

Ecoshikis invites you to join the tradition and spread the word of politeness, respect and sustainability.  Print your own free folding guide of 14 artful techniques at ecoshikis.com.

photo: Kakefuda, a famous furoshiki shop in Japan

an old, new idea

My coworker showed me an online illustration from the Japanese government on how to wrap furoshikis, an everyday cloth used to wrap and carry items.  The practice dates back to Japan's Edo period in the 17th century, though it is not exclusive to Japan.  

How simple and brilliant.  The concept of furoshikis is so relevant to our world today when we are trying to embrace more sustainable means and alter our lifestyles incrementally to reduce our impact on the earth.  

I have embraced the idea of furoshikis; I believe if I can make this change to eliminate plastic bags and paper wrapping in my life then I can advocate to others.  My coworker and I are now business partners; we're making furoshikis and educating people about the practice.  Please visit our website ecoshikis.com.  Are you interested in growing this idea in the United States?  We' love to hear your feedback.