Shūgi-bukuro

A Nihongo|"shūgi-bukuro"|祝儀袋 is a special envelope in which money is given as a gift at weddings in Japan.

It is very common in Japan to give a gift of money at weddings. The giver inserts the money into a "shūgi-bukuro" on which they have written their name. The "shūgi-bukuro" is handed to the receptionist of the reception party. "Shūgi-bukuro" are sold at supermarkets and stationery stores.

Amount given

The amount given in "shūgi-bukuro" differs according to the givers relationship to the couple, their social status and the style of venue. In the case of friends or company colleagues, it is usually around ¥20,000 or ¥30,000. In the case of close friends or those in a senior position at the bride or bridegroom’s company, ¥30,000 to ¥50,000 is common, and in the case of relatives, ¥50,000 to ¥100,000 is not unusual.

For married couples that attend the wedding ¥50,000 would be common, as opposed to un married couples where each person would give a separate amount say ¥30,000 each.

It is also important to note that the size of the envelope directly corresponds to the amount inside. The larger the envelope the larger the amount within. The envelopes are not opened during the reception, so this custom informs the couple the size of the amount, and affords the Bride and Bridegroom the chance to thank you accordingly.

One would think that someone may give a large envelope and have a smaller amount inside, however it would be considered an insult to the Bride and Bridegroom, and since the name of the offending person is on the envelope, word would get around fast what you did.

It is common to give amounts that are not divisible by two such as ¥10,000 or ¥30,000, in order to symolize the fact that the newly married couple cannot be divided. If an even amount is given, such as ¥20,000, it is usually given in an odd number of bills (i.e. 1 x ¥10,000 and 2 x ¥5,000). Amounts that are a multiple of 4 such as ¥40,000 are not recommended since the number 4 in Japanese can be pronounced as "shi" which is the same as the pronunciation of the Japanese word for death. Likewise, multiples of 9 are avoided because the pronunciation of this number can mean suffering.