Furoshiki by Musubi
ALL-ROUND SQUARE SHAPE CLOTH FOR REASONABLE PRICE.
Furoshiki is Japanese square shape cloth that is used to cover and carry things. It was a custom of Japan to use the square cloth to cover a present and unfold it in front of the person who receives the gift. This is because it was considered rude to open a gift with the presence of person who gives the gift. If you see Japanese who doesn't open a present, may want to cut him/ her a little slack.
Back on track. So, it will not be rude for giver to opens a gift instead of receiver. To fold it into furoshiki helps the situation because the giver doesn't have to open the gift.
Regardless to its historical background, furoshiki is useful and reasonable souvenir. Like origami, there are many ways to be folded and can be used in many situations, like when you travel or of course, when to give an expensive gift.
Cochae design, Kabuki.
Price: ¥864
Designed by Cochae. It can be folded to look like kabuki face.
Ukiyoe, Namiura ni Fuji
Price: ¥2,160
Katsushika Hokusai's ukiyoe art-work, Namiura ni Fuji.
Origami furoshiki, shishimai.
Price: ¥1,296
Shishimai is Japanese lion dance, performed to pray good crops. (Sometimes performed to exorcise evil spirit.) This origami furoshiki may be the best choice of souvenir.
Where to buy: "Musubi"
Address: 2-31-8, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Open hours: 11:00 to 19:00
Closed on: Wednesday
Musubi official site.
