"FUROSHIKI" Japan's Oldest Eco-Bag

Furoshiki is a simple square cloth made from various fibers such as cotton, silk, nylon, or rayon. It has been cherished in Japan as a cloth for wrapping and carrying items since ancient times. Furoshiki comes in various colors, designs, and materials. Its usage is very simple: wrap and tie. The patterns on furoshiki also carry various meanings.

Furoshiki Born in the Bath

It is said that furoshiki originated during the Muromachi period(12th century) when feudal lords would wrap their kimono, adorned with family crests, in cloth before entering the steam baths of the time. After bathing, they would dress on top of the cloth. Adding family crests to the cloth was a way to denote ownership.

Later, during the early Edo period(15th century), when public bathhouses were established, commoners began using furoshiki to carry their bathing necessities. This transition from the samurai class to the general populace led to the widespread adoption of furoshiki.

The Edo Period: The Ultimate Recycling Society

The Edo period, a long era of peace lasting over 400 years, was already practicing the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. It was the ultimate recycling society.
Cotton and silk kimonos were passed down from parent to child, becoming rags when worn out, and eventually being burned for fertilizer. Broken pottery was repaired and used for a long time.
Most waste consisted of natural materials, which decomposed naturally. This period fostered a mindset of "mottainai," or not being wasteful.

Japan's Oldest Eco-Bag

Furoshiki became indispensable for business, not only for carrying goods but also as a tool for advertising. Merchants eagerly produced furoshiki with their shop names or trademarks, using them as a form of advertisement. Furoshiki used for wrapping merchandise were Japan's oldest eco-bags.