Holiday Furoshiki Wrapping | Living a Sustainable Lifestyle

Event Description

This holiday season, JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles presents a special workshop on furoshiki, the centuries-old Japanese art of fabric wrapping, where participants will discover how this beautiful and sustainable technique can elevate the entire gift-giving experience. This versatile tradition offers an elegant and eco-conscious alternative to disposable wrapping paper, perfect for creating memorable gifts for everyone on your list.

As explored in previous workshops, in Japan the versatile tradition of furoshiki serves countless daily uses from carrying groceries to packing a picnic. Known as the “infinite square”, through folds and knots a single furoshiki cloth can shape-shift to serve a dazzling array of purposes. But perhaps it reaches its most meaningful expression in the art of gift-giving, where the careful attention paid to wrapping speaks volumes about the giver's feelings.

In this two-hour workshop led by expert instructor Kumi Corsa, participants will discover how a single piece of cloth can transform into endless possibilities for holiday gift presentation. The session begins with an introduction to furoshiki's rich historical background and its role in Japanese gift-giving culture, where the art of wrapping represents a heartfelt dialogue between giver and receiver (to learn more, read selected articles on our website about the importance of gifts in Japanese culture and different traditions of wrapping).

This special holiday edition features new techniques specifically designed for seasonal gift-giving. Participants will learn how to craft three distinctive “flower toppings” that add a festive flourish to any present, elegant bottle-wrapping techniques perfect for hosting and gift-giving, and packaging methods to present party dishes with style. The workshop will also explore creative ways to personalize your wrapping with seasonal floral elements and greeting cards, allowing each gift to be a unique expression of care.

Each participant will receive their own 35-inch square furoshiki cloth to take home, empowering them to continue this sustainable practice throughout the holiday season and beyond. Whether preparing for holiday celebrations, or cultivating a more sustainable lifestyle, this workshop offers practical skills that blend tradition with modern ecological awareness. Fun for all ages, join us in discovering how this "infinite square" can become a new holiday gift-giving tradition for you and your family.

Event Program (subject to change)

• Opening remarks (5 min)
• Introduction (10 min)
• Practice (90 min)
• Q&A with light refreshment (10 min)

*Both morning and afternoon sessions on December 7th are the same program. This winter edition will cover some of the same material as the and workshops, with a special seasonal emphasis on holiday gift-giving.

About the Instructor | Kumi Corsa

Kumi grew up in Tokyo, Japan and became fascinated with the Japanese tradition of furoshiki at an early age. She has collaborated and held sustainable holiday furoshiki gift-wrapping events with various luxury lifestyle, fashion, beauty and wellness brands and retailers, including well-known Certified B companies such as French fashion house Chloe and Australian beauty brand Aesop. Kumi has also held furoshiki workshops and corporate training events for local organizations, libraries and schools. She is based in Los Angeles but travels around the world to hold workshops and spread the practice and message of the beautiful, sustainable and incredibly versatile Japanese tradition of furoshiki. @artofjapanesegiftwrapping | www.artoffuroshiki.com

Photo by Kumi Corsa / The Art of Japanese Gift Wrapping

Host or Publisher JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles