The Japanese Wedding Invitation and What's a Kotobuki ?

A Fancy Card Arrives in the Mail

This photo shows the outside view of a wedding invitation in Japan.

Fortunately, there are friends and family to help me with the translation.

The gold kanji character reads, Kotobuki.

Translation to English Can Be Tricky

 

 

Serious research, on this kotobuki thing, started last night.

Verbally, I probably, got as many different meanings as the number of beers I consumed.

But, I like to get verification from some written source, before, I start writing.

Jeffrey's Dictionary says it can mean: Congratulations, felicitations, best wishes.

And, longevity or, long life.

Namiko Abe, teaches Kanji characters at About (dot) Com

She shows you how to write it, useful compounds and even, sends out a newsletter.

Her definitions:  Longevity and Congratulations

She got me checking and, I found one of those compounds, engraved in stone.

If somebody took the time to carve "Long Life" on a rock, that's good enough for me.

Variations in Kanji

 

Just as sure as our handwriting may differ, kanji characters can change, too.

So, I took the research a bit farther and found all kinds of stuff.

People paint these letters, have them tattooed and do all kinds of things with them.

There's one, I'd call a bellybutton box.  How wild is that ?

Several variations of the script may be seen at StockKanji.

And, you could order some fancy calligraphy from them, at reasonable prices.

What to Do After You Receive a Kotobuki Card

 

Inside this card, is a smaller one, about the size of a business card.

Customs and proper etiquette may differ from prefecture to prefecture, in Japan.

It would be wise to consult with a local expert, in this case.

In Okinawa, the little card, tells you which table you will be seated at.

In the Expat's Guide to Japan that card, is handled differently.

It should be sent as an RSVP.

For people living in the Ryukyu Islands, there is no need to RSVP.

Everybody goes, anytime there's a party !

Over at Surviving in Japan, they have an article worth reading.

HOW TO: Not make a fool of yourself at a Japanese wedding

 Japanese Wedding Etiquette at eHow, is worth looking at, too.

 Just to be on the safe side, I took my wedding invitation to a book store.

And, asked the gal at the counter to help me select an appropriate wedding envelope.

With all my studying and searching, caught up for the day, I pointed at that gold kanji.

She was surprised.  I could read, Kotobuki !

MORE in Japan: Insider's Tips

  

Otoshidama Japan's New Year Money Envelope: Insider's Tips

They are on the display racks already this year.  Otoshidama, the Japanese New Year's Money Envelopes, will be flying off the shelves from now until the holidays end.

Hello Kitty and some character named Stitch seem to be the most popular in my neck of the woods.

Kitty-chan was easy for me to figure out.  The thing opens up just like any other envelope.

Stitch, almost got destroyed by me trying to figure out where you stuff the money.

There, I snapped a photo so you don't have to drive yourself crazy looking.

Lucky for me, some kid was walking down the street and I asked him how you open the thing.

Walt Disney, or somebody, put these stickers in with the card.  So, I thanked the kid for helping me and gave him the stickers.  Kids love stickers.  Beats telling them to scram. 

I'm busy.

Here are three more, traditional New Year's Money Envelopes.

These are inexpensive, a ten pack goes for about 100 Yen ($1.25 or so) and you can find them at super markets, book stores, gift shops or convenience stores from November through New Years.

Children, if you haven't already guessed, are who receive Otoshidama money for the New Year.

The amount you spend on the envelopes isn't what matters; it's what goes inside.

Pocket change isn't what you stuff in them.

Crisp, brand new bills, neatly folded, are what you place in these envelopes.

Every kid in Japan, from newborns to High School graduates, that knows you, expects to see you giving out Otoshidama sometime in the first week of the New Year !

After you place the folded Yen notes in the envelope, your name goes in the block on the left,  the child's name in the block on the right side.

Really,  I'm a busy man. 

Didn't want to tell that kid to scram.

 Something to do with a bank. 

I have to plan.

Soon, it'll be Otoshidama time of the year, again !

FOR MORE ON JAPANESE MONEY ENVELOPES SEE JAPAN: INSIDER TIPS