Wedding Presents are Cash in Japan

In Japan, autumn as well as spring is wedding season. You may be invited to a wedding party by your Japanese friends. What should you present as a gift when you are invited? It is very common in Japan to bring celebratory money when one is invited to a wedding. You insert the money into a special envelope called “Goshugi-bukuro” and write your name on it. Then you hand it to the receptionist of the party. “Goshugi-bukuro” are sold at supermarkets and stationary stores.

How much should you present? It differs according to your relationship to the couple, your social status and the style of wedding hall. In case of friends or company colleagues, it will be ¥20,000 or ¥30,000. In case you are a close friend or in a higher position at the bride or bridegroom’s company, ¥30,000 or ¥50,000, and in case of
relatives, ¥50,000 or ¥100,000. These amounts are commonly given. Amounts such as ¥40,000 are not recommended since the figure 4 is pronounced the same way as “shi,” which in Japanese means “death.”

At the wedding party, many beautifully prepared foods will be provided, and the newly married couple will give presents called “Hikidemono” to their guests. However, the couple will pay for the party with the money they received. In other words, the money received from the guests should cover the cost of their meals and presents.

Until several years ago, gorgeous wedding parties were generally held at hotels and specialized wedding halls, but recently, more and more simple parties (often held at restaurants) in which only close friends are invited, are being held. These parties are called “Jimikon” (modest wedding) and guests pay about ¥10,000 each as a party fee.

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