“Pochi Bukuro”, are small paper envelopes used to give a congratulatory gift of money (Japanese version of a tip to express gratitude) to people including Maiko (Apprentice geisha) in the 19th Century.. “Pochi” is a dialect in Kansai region meaning a dot or something small.
Japan has a custom where congratulatory gifts are given with a phrase, “It’s only a little bit” and they put their humble heart into their gift.
In the 1960s, Pochi Bukuro started to be used as an envelope to put money in for “Otoshidama”, money that adults such as parents and relatives give children, and since then it started to be used more commonly. It is now being used for other purposes, such as using it to give money for a party, to give a “tip” expressing gratitude for a service at a hotel or inn, and as an envelope to enclose a small message to attach to a present.
In terms of color, "red & white" or "gold & silver are used for celebrations, while "black & white" or "yellow & white" are used for commemorations.
These days traditional methods have been simplified and we also use envelopes with Mizuhiki printed on them elegant a bow called a mizuhiki. These are sometimes printed, but you will often see mizuhiki made with cord on envelopes used for cash gifts.
Product size 110 x 65mm
Individual Packaging Size : W115x H70x D3mm
Quantity : 5 Pcs
Made in Japan.
