Life with Furoshiki: The Shapeshifting Cloth Making Its Way into the World

A single piece of cloth can transform into a bag, a mat, or many other practical forms. With just a touch of creativity, the traditional Japanese cloth, furoshiki, can wrap items of any shape. The term "furoshiki" (literally "bath spread") is believed to have originated in the Muromachi period (1336-1573). It initially served as a bath mat.

Furoshiki's reusability has spurred a renewed appreciation for its eco-friendly qualities, drawing attention from both locals and inbound visitors. Eager to learn more about this versatile cloth, I ventured to Kyoto.

*Furoshiki as a bottle carrier (left) and a bag. (©Sankei by Hirofumi Kakihira)*

One Cloth, Many Uses

I visited a specialty store Musubi in Nakagyo Ward, which offers popular workshops that provide hands-on lessons on various wrapping techniques.

"Roll it up, then tuck the end under the bottom of the bottle," an instructor guided.

After several attempts, a participant exclaimed with satisfaction, "I think I got it!"

Eight-year-old Hana Muyama from Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, shared excitedly, "I learned that furoshiki can be used in so many ways in daily life. I bought a waterproof one to use as a swim bag."

*Hana Muyama practices wrapping her backpack with a furoshiki. (©Sankei by Hirofumi Kakihira)*

Many tourists were seen admiring the colorful furoshiki displayed in the shop's modern interior.

Etsuko Yamada, the shop's PR manager, explained, "With the global rise in environmental awareness driven by social media and the press, more people are discovering the benefits of furoshiki."

According to Yamada, about half of Musubi's customers are inbound visitors. Marie Claude, visiting from Switzerland, said, "I used to use wrapping paper, but now I reuse a cherry blossom-patterned furoshiki. It's elegant and very beautiful."

*The interior of Musubi is filled with colorful patterns. (©Sankei by Hirofumi Kakihira)*

Stylish, Practical, and Cultural

Afterward, I strolled through the city with 23-year-old Kosuke Nakamura, who regularly uses furoshiki. His furoshiki bag harmonized with the Kyoto streetscape and kept its shape perfectly as we walked.

"I'll be studying at a graduate school in the United Kingdom this fall and will live in a dormitory. I hope my furoshiki sparks cultural exchanges," he said.

*Kosuke Nakamura uses his furoshiki like a bag to carry a tablet and a bottled drink. (©Sankei by Hirofumi Kakihira)*

This versatile cloth can transform to wrap almost anything. It will take time to master all the wrapping techniques, so I'll start by keeping one in my camera bag. I expect it will serve as a great conversation starter.