What is Furoshiki, Why Furoshiki, Differences between Furoshiki and fabric wrapping?

A fabric sheet called Furoshiki has a long history and has been used by Japanese people for various purposes, such as transportation and wrapping gifts. Furoshiki history has changed from decade to decade, year to year, it used to be used by the Japanese in everyday life, but the western lifestyle came into Japanese life, and the lifestyle became more convenient, Furoshiki is not used so much in daily life anymore.

In Japan there are two gift-giving seasons, where the Japanese say, "Thank you for your continued support". In the summer season, it is called Ochu-gen (お中元) during the Bon Festival, and then at the end of the year, it is a general thank you. This is given to people who have been indebted to them with gratitude. At the beginning of winter, we have year-end gifts given to people who have been obligated daily as a token of our appreciation. This custom started in the Edo era, and tenants or business partners brought gifts to the owners or employers. Gifts are given to authorities of the hierarchical orders, such as lower employees showing honour and respect to those who care for them.

In the late 1970s to 1990s, delivery services in Japan increased fast and became more convenient for people by choosing a delivery time and date and avoiding the absence of people at home. Direct delivery service was convenient for both parties: receiver and sender, rather than scheduling and arranging the meetings in person each time. Sadly, our lives have become more convenient, and Furoshiki has been taken away from our lives.

The modern lifestyle eases Japanese life and is convenient in our lives. However, we forget the good habits we used to use daily. Due to human activities, we have serious issues surrounding climate change and waste in modern society. It’s time to look back at the old lifestyle and try to be healthier and more sustainable. This will help minimise greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate risks from climate change. More importantly, we can continue to live happier lives together and even develop a better quality of life, such as changing people’s behaviour and habits to become healthier and more creative.

Upcycled Furoshiki allows for keeping resources and costs minimised. Furoshiki's values remind people of Japan's old habits and introduce them to New Zealand. Furoshiki is an alternative to paper wrapping and reduces waste from the environmental impact. Pass on the Fab means people pass around the fabric wrappings in New Zealand and around other countries.

Furoshiki can be transformed into anything; shopping bags, home decor, and emergency items, and can carry different-sized items: veggies and fruits, babies, guitars, balls, and all sorts of other items.

Furoshiki is also a word for magic fabric. A piece of fabric can be transformed into anything, it can be your innovation, imagination, and creative skill that will make something new. Furoshiki can be part of our good habits for everyone, but it has to be transformed into the modern version of adapting in our lives.

FabWrap gives you an idea of how we can adapt to something beneficial for us and rethink how we look at what is around us. I believe Furoshiki has a deeper meaning than the traditional alternative of paper wrapping.

Let’s begin our new healthy journey and share the idea of what we can adapt alternative to something else.