Furoshiki

By Ms Lisa Bourne, Secondary School Languages Teacher

Earlier this month Japanese language students in Year 8 took part in an online class led by teacher from the Japan Foundation in Sydney. Students discovered the Japanese custom of wrapping with a cloth. Traditional Japanese wrapping is used not only for Christmas and New Year’s gifts, but it is great for use in everyday life – including wrapping obento lunch boxes.

The beautiful cloths, which are printed with lucky symbols, patterns and motifs, are reusable and eco-friendly, reflecting the importance Japan places on looking after the environment. Students thoroughly enjoyed this hands-on workshop, and practiced how to wrap a laptop, notebook, water bottle and even a watermelon.

Student reflections:

I learned how to tie two types of knots – one was simple and the other was more difficult.

I enjoyed learning about the history of furoshiki and why it is becoming more popular again.

Furoshiki often have traditional patterns and symbols that derive from the natural world. It was interesting to learn about it.

The teacher explained the culture of furoshiki and how it was commonly used before the use of plastic. It is becoming popular again because of more sustainable lifestyles.