Types of Noshi and How to Write Them

Types of Noshi and How to Write Them: Avoiding Confusion with "Omote-gaki" and "Na-ire"

-For Wedding Gifts, Baby Gifts, Celebratory Gifts in Return, Housewarming Gifts, Get-Well Gifts, etc.-

Noshi, attached to gifts, is a uniquely Japanese and elegant custom for expressing blessings and gratitude in a "visible form." However,

• "Should I choose chō-musubi (bowknot) or musubi-kiri (tie-knot)?"
• "What is the omote-gaki (front inscription) on noshi?"
• "How should I write the na-ire (name inscription) for wedding gifts or baby gifts?"

Many people are often unsure about these points.

At the ceramics select shop "Studio1156," we offer noshi for both in-store and online purchases. Even for gifts to close friends, we frequently receive requests for a slightly more formal presentation than simple wrapping, especially for special occasions like wedding gifts or housewarming gifts.

However, when it comes to choosing noshi, we often hear people say, "I don't know what to write."

Therefore, on this page, we will provide a clear explanation with images of:

• Types of Noshi
• What are "Omote-gaki" and "Na-ire"?
• How to Write "Omote-gaki"
• Examples of "Omote-gaki"
• Points to Note for "Na-ire"
• Noshi Type Quick Reference Table by Occasion

Types of Noshi

There are two main types of noshi. The mizuhiki (decorative cord) on the noshi wrapping paper is tied in two main ways:

1. Musubi-kiri (Tie-knot)

Key Identification Point

"Musubi-kiri" is used for special occasions that are not to be repeated. For example, it is suitable for wedding celebrations and get-well celebrations, which are "celebrations that you wish to happen only once."

2. Chō-musubi (Bowknot)

Key Identification Point

For all other "celebrations that can happen multiple times," such as baby gifts or enrollment gifts, use "chō-musubi."

What are "Omote-gaki" and "Na-ire"?

Noshi has two main inscription areas:
These are "omote-gaki" and "na-ire."

• Omote-gaki: The "purpose (type of celebration)" written at the top of the noshi.

• Na-ire: The "name of the giver" written at the bottom of the noshi.

As a side note, the word "noshi" originally referred only to the thin, hexagonal decorative piece at the top right of the noshi paper. However, over time, it became common to refer to the entire noshi paper as "noshi," and we also follow this custom in our store, referring to the noshi paper itself as "noshi."

How to Write "Omote-gaki"

For wedding gifts, the standard omote-gaki is "O-kekkon O-iwai" (Congratulations on your marriage) or similar, but we also accept casual free messages such as "O-kekkon Omedetō" (Congratulations on your marriage) or "O-shiawase ni" (Wishing you happiness). While formality is important, we believe that "the feeling of giving" is paramount.

Examples of "Omote-gaki"

"Musubi-kiri" (Non-repeated celebrations)

• Wedding Gift: Kotobuki / O-kekkon O-iwai (Congratulations on your marriage)
• Wedding Return Gift: Kotobuki / Uchiiwai (Celebratory gift in return) / O-rei (Gratitude)
• Get-Well Gift (Upon discharge): Kaiki Iwai (Get-well celebration) / O-mimai O-rei (Gratitude for visit)
• Get-Well Return Gift (Visit return): Kaiki Iwai (Get-well celebration) / Uchiiwai (Celebratory gift in return)
• Sympathy Visit: O-mimai (Visit)

"Chō-musubi" (Repeatable celebrations)

• Baby Gift: O-iwai (Celebration)
• Baby Return Gift: Shussan Uchiiwai (Baby celebratory gift in return) / Uchiiwai (Celebratory gift in return)
• Longevity Celebration (Kanreki, Koki, etc.): Kanreki O-iwai (60th birthday celebration) / Koki O-iwai (70th birthday celebration) etc.
• Longevity Return Gift: Kanreki Uchiiwai (60th birthday return gift) / Koki Uchiiwai (70th birthday return gift)
• New House Gift: Go-shinchiku O-iwai (New house celebration) / O-iwai (Celebration)
• New House Return Gift: Shinchiku Uchiiwai (New house celebratory gift in return) / Uchiiwai (Celebratory gift in return)
• Moving Gift: O-iwai (Celebration) / O-senbetsu (Farewell gift)
• Moving Return Gift: Hikkoshi Uchiiwai (Moving celebratory gift in return) / Uchiiwai (Celebratory gift in return)
• Enrollment/Graduation Gift: Go-nyūgaku O-iwai (Enrollment celebration) / Go-sotsugyō O-iwai (Graduation celebration)
• Enrollment/Graduation Return Gift: Nyūgaku Uchiiwai (Enrollment celebratory gift in return) / Sotsugyō Uchiiwai (Graduation celebratory gift in return)
• Opening Celebration: Kaiten O-iwai (Opening celebration) / O-iwai (Celebration)
• Opening Return Gift: Kaiten Uchiiwai (Opening celebratory gift in return) / Uchiiwai (Celebratory gift in return)
• O-chūgen (Mid-year gift): O-chūgen
• O-seibo (Year-end gift): O-seibo
• Gratitude (General): O-rei (Gratitude)

"Musubi-kiri" *Black and White (Mourning/Buddhist occasions)

• Disaster Sympathy: O-mimai (Sympathy visit)
• Kōden-gaeshi (Return gift for funeral offering, at the end of mourning period): Kokoro-zashi (Small token of gratitude) / Man-chūin-gashi (Gift at the end of mourning period)
• Buddhist Memorial Service Gift: Kokoro-zashi (Small token of gratitude) / So-kuyō (Small offering)

Points to Note for "Na-ire"

Regarding na-ire, many customers are confused, thinking, "Should I write the recipient's name?" However, for na-ire, you should fill in the name of the "giver," in other words, your own name. It's the same principle as for a wedding congratulatory envelope.

You can use your full name, just your surname, or even just your first name or a nickname. We encourage you to express your own personality.

Noshi Type Quick Reference Table by Occasion

"Musubi-kiri" (Non-repeated celebrations)

• Wedding Return Gift
• Get-Well Return Gift

"Chō-musubi" (Repeatable celebrations)

• Baby Return Gift
• Enrollment/Advancement Return Gift
• New House Return Gift
• Moving Return Gift
• First Festival Return Gift
• Shichi-Go-San Return Gift
• Coming-of-Age Return Gift
• Longevity Celebration Return Gift
• Promotion/Transfer Return Gift
• O-miyamairi (Baby's First Shrine Visit) Return Gift

Summary

Noshi might seem a bit complicated, but please feel free to use it as a "tool to express your feelings." We hope this information will be helpful for your future gift selections.

The ceramics select shop "Studio1156" has a physical store in Haruyoshi, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, and also operates an online shop. If you are looking for celebratory gifts, please take a look.

Studio1156 - Studio1156 Online Shop

Studio1156 - Studio1156 Fukuoka Haruyoshi Main Store