What Is NOSHI? A Simple Guide to Its Meaning, Types, and How to Write It | Basic Gift-Giving Etiquette
Japan's Gift-Giving Culture "NOSHI"
In Japan, there is a custom of including “NOSHI” with gifts given for celebrations, seasonal greetings, or to loved ones.
NOSHI is a traditional part of Japanese gift-giving culture that expresses the feelings of celebration, gratitude, and respect embedded in a gift.It is used in a variety of gift-giving occasions, including wedding gifts, baby gifts, housewarming gifts, and gifts to celebrate a child’s coming-of-age, as well as mid-year and year-end gifts.
At our store, you can specify NOSHI when placing your order.On this page, we provide an easy-to-understand guide to the meaning and writing of NOSHI, the types of Omotegaki, and how to write names. We hope this serves as a helpful reference, even for those using NOSHI for the first time.
What is NOSHI paper?
NOSHI paper is the paper placed over the wrapping paper of a gift.
In the center, a decorative cord called “mizuhiki” is printed, and above it is a decorative motif called “NOSHI.”
NOSHI, “表書き” called Omotegaki indicating the purpose of the gift—such as “御祝” or “御礼”—is written.It is customary to write the giver’s “name” on the lower section.
Depending on the occasion, “Omotegaki only” or “plain noshi” (with neither Omotegaki nor a name) are also widely used.
Red Bar
For folding fan box folding fan single folding fan
Red and White Bow
For folding fan pouches and gift boxes
We will wrap NOSHI with Ibasen along with the Ibasen wrapping paper.
About Ibasen NOSHI
About Ibasen’s Noshi Service
Your gift will be wrapped in Ibasen’s original wrapping paper and, by default, prepared with an Outer Noshi (the noshi paper is attached outside the wrapping paper).
If you prefer an Inner Noshi (the noshi paper placed underneath the wrapping paper), please write your request in the Order Notes at checkout.
Please note that a Noshi is not a greeting card. It is a traditional Japanese gift presentation used to display the occasion (such as congratulations or thanks) together with the sender’s name. This elegant custom of expressing one’s sentiments with a few carefully chosen words has been passed down through generations in Japan.
What should I write on NOSHI?
Depending on the occasion
Omotegaki only and “plain noshi” are also widely used.
Request Regarding NOSHI Specifications
If you would like NOSHI, please specify Omotegaki and the sender's name.
The name written on NOSHI is generally that of the giver (the sender). The name of the recipient is not usually included.
Please also note that, unlike a message card, NOSHI is intended solely for Omotegaki gift’s Omotegaki and the giver’s name. It is not intended for personal messages, so please be aware of this in advance.
If you do not require a NOSHI, you may leave the input field blank.
Omotegaki
An "Omotegaki" is a phrase that indicates the purpose or occasion of a gift. You should choose Omotegaki appropriate Omotegaki depending on the situation.
The main Omotegaki of Omotegaki include the following:
御祝
, 御礼
御礼, 内祝
内祝 御中元
御中元御歳暮
御歳暮, 御年賀
Name
On the bottom line of Omotegaki, write the name of the sender.
For individuals, it is customary to write your name (last name only or full name). Note that the recipient’s name is not usually included.
For corporations, the following formats are used depending on the purpose:
Company name; Company name
and department name
; Company name and representative’s name
; Company name, department name, and contact person’s name
Meanings of Common Omotegaki
The "Omotegaki" on NOSHI is an important phrase that conveys the purpose of the gift and the giver’s sentiments.
Choose Omotegaki appropriate Omotegaki based on the occasion, such as a celebration, a thank-you, or seasonal greetings. Here, we’ll introduce Omotegaki common Omotegaki.
御祝 (Oiwai)
Used for gifts to celebrate occasions such as weddings, the birth of a child, moving into a new home, a grand opening, or a promotion.
御礼 (Orei)
Used for gifts to express gratitude or appreciation to someone who has helped you.
内祝 (Uchi-iwai)
Used as a thank-you gift in response to a congratulatory gift received, or to share the joy of a celebration with others.
御中元 (O-chugen)
A seasonal greeting given in summer (around July–August) to express gratitude to those who have supported you throughout the year.
御歳暮 (Oseibo)
These are seasonal gifts given at the end of the year to express gratitude to those who have supported you throughout the year.
御年賀 (Onenga)
These are gifts given as a New Year’s greeting.
*In addition to the examples above, there are various Omotegaki available, such as “寿" which means "Congratulation”, “御見舞" which means "Get Well Soon”, “快気祝" means "Recovery Celebration”, and “志" as "Token of Appreciation.” If you would like Omotegaki specific Omotegaki tailored to your occasion, please feel free to Contact Us.
To Our International Customers
We accept senders' names in English (the Roman alphabet) or katakana.
Since Japanese NOSHI are traditionally written vertically, we will arrange English names vertically, one character at a time. We hope you will understand this as a unique aspect of Japan’s gift-giving culture.
To Customers Who Wish to Have NOSHI at Our Store
At our store, you can request NOSHI for gifts.
If you would like NOSHI with your order, please enter the following information:
Omotegaki (e.g., 御祝," "御礼," etc.)
Sender's name
If you do not need a NOSHI, please leave the fields blank.
NOSHI wrapping is with Ibasen wrapping papper and is generally provided as “outer NOSHI.” If NOSHI “inner NOSHIhi,” please indicate this in the remarks section when placing your order.
If you have any questions NOSHI, please feel free to contact us.
