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

  

Japan's Funeral Envelope: An Insider's Tips

              One of the envelopes designed for giving money in Japan is the funeral envelope.

The Kanji on this envelope (御霊前) means, "goreizen", an offering at the altar for someone who has departed the world of the living.  This should never be confused with any other black and white or black and silver money envelope in Japan.  There are a few similar in color, not meant for funerals but, the Kanj is noticebaly different.

A foreigner, like me, who isn't very proficient at reading or writing kajni, should always get assistance when planning to use a Japanese money giving envelope.  You don't want to make the mistake of confusing this envelope with something you thought was a "Get Well Soon Card".

An excellent reference posted by Alice Gordenker on JAPANESE MONEY ENVELOPES shows more examples of the these works of art used for handing over cash on different occasions in Japan.  She is also a longtime and very popular columnist with THE JAPAN TIMES.

WIKIPEDIA has a photo displaying a Condolence or Funeral Money Envelope and a lengthy article describing the customs and culture surrounding funerals in Japan.

More search engine research will lead to all sorts of information and it doesn't take long to realize, the customs may vary depending on which Prefecture you are looking at, in Japan.

In Okinawa (Ryukyu Islands) we fly the Japanese flag but, we do things differently, sometimes.  And from village to village or one island to another, our customs and traditions may vary.

So, my recommendation to anyone interested in using Japanese Money Envelopes would be to follow an insider's tips.  Talk to a local and you can't go wrong.


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