Mizuhiki and the Art of Gift Giving
Introduction
In Japan, gift giving is not only about the item itself. It is a way of acknowledging relationships, expressing gratitude, and honoring shared moments. From seasonal gifts to everyday exchanges, intention and presentation are considered just as meaningful as what is being given.
How a gift is wrapped and when it is offered contribute to its meaning. The symbols that accompany it help shape how the gesture is understood, reflecting the connection between giver and receiver.
This philosophy is deeply connected to mizuhiki, a traditional element of Japanese gift giving. In this article, we explore the history and meaning of mizuhiki, the symbolism behind its knots, and how it has long been used to express sincerity and enduring connections.
What is Mizuhiki?
Mizuhiki is a traditional Japanese decorative cord made by twisting strips of washi paper into tightly bound strands and hardening them with natural glue. The name is understood to come from the making process itself, using the words mizu (water) and hiki (to pull), as the paper cords are drawn through liquid adhesive and dried to create a firm, durable form.
The origins of mizuhiki are often traced back to the Asuka period (7th century), when diplomatic gifts were tied with red and white cords to signify sincerity and safe passage. Over time, these cords evolved from hemp to paper, and by the Edo period, mizuhiki had become a familiar part of Japanese gift-giving customs across society.
Today, mizuhiki is most commonly seen on noshi envelopes, ceremonial gifts, and seasonal decorations. While its appearance may seem ornamental, mizuhiki has long served both a practical and symbolic role in gift giving.
The Meaning Behind the Knot
Historically, mizuhiki was used to secure gifts and indicate that they had not been opened, signaling sincerity. As its use became more established, it developed into a visual language, with colors, knots, and the number of cords conveying meaning depending on the occasion.
Though simple in material, mizuhiki exists in many variations. From formal celebrations to everyday expressions of thanks, these variations shape how a gift is understood before it is even opened.
In mizuhiki, knots are designed with purpose. Many are tied so that they tighten when pulled, rather than coming undone. This structure reflects the wish that certain relationships or occasions should endure, reinforcing the idea that a gift carries meaning beyond the moment it is given.
Different knot styles are traditionally chosen based on the nature of the occasion.
Musubi-kiri (tight knot)
A knot that does not come undone once tied. It is used for events meant to happen only once, such as weddings, memorials, or recovery from illness, expressing the hope that the event will not be repeated.
Cho-musubi (bow knot)
A knot that can be untied and retied. This style is used for celebrations that may occur many times, such as births, graduations, promotions, and seasonal greetings. At Sugimoto Tea, cho-musubi appears across our matcha products.
Awaji-musubi
A variation of the tight knot, shaped to resemble an abalone shell. Because it tightens when pulled from either end, it is often used for formal occasions and can appear in both celebratory and solemn contexts.
Ume-musubi (plum knot)
Inspired by the plum blossom, which blooms even in cold seasons, this knot is associated with resilience, strong bonds, and good fortune. It is commonly used for auspicious gifts and serves as the design motif for Sugimoto Tea’s Signature Loose Leaf and Tea Sachet Series packaging.
The Number and Color of Cords
The number and color of mizuhiki matter as much as the knot itself.
Traditionally, odd numbers of cords are favored, as they cannot be evenly divided and are associated with continuity and lasting ties. Three cords are often used for simple gifts or everyday expressions, while five cords are considered the standard for many celebratory and formal occasions. Seven cords may be chosen to convey added care or formality. An important exception is ten cords, formed by combining two sets of five, which are traditionally used for wedding gifts to symbolize the union of two families.
Color further clarifies the intention of the gift. Red and white are commonly used for joyful occasions, gold and silver for formal celebrations such as weddings, and black and white for expressions of condolence.
Taken together with knot style, these elements form a quiet visual language, one that communicates the nature of the occasion and the relationship it represents without the need for words.
Gift Giving in Japanese Tea Culture
Tea has long been valued as a meaningful gift in Japan. Beyond its role as a daily beverage, tea is associated with longevity and continuity, making it a natural choice for marking occasions of gratitude and celebration. In many regions, tea has been exchanged as a gift for generations, often chosen for occasions where thoughtfulness is valued over display.
Tea also carries several auspicious meanings within Japanese culture. Tea plants continue to produce new buds after harvesting, a characteristic traditionally linked to growth and renewal, often expressed through the wordplay omedetai (お芽出たい). The tea plant’s deep roots have also been associated with stability and commitment, which is why tea has appeared in engagement and wedding-related customs in some regions. Tea is further connected to longevity through the term chaju (茶寿), a celebration of 108 years derived from the character for tea.
One notable example is shincha, the first harvest of the year. Enjoyed in spring, shincha is closely connected to the tradition of hatsumono (初物), which values the first foods of the season as symbols of freshness, health, and good fortune. Because of this association, shincha has also come to be shared as a thoughtful seasonal gift, valued for its freshness and for what it represents as the beginning of a new cycle and wishes for well-being.
Presentation plays an essential role. Tea intended as a gift is often wrapped in a way that clearly signals the occasion, using considered packaging and decorative elements such as mizuhiki. When paired together, tea and mizuhiki emphasize that a gift is shaped not only by what is given, but by how it is offered.
At its core, gifting tea reflects hospitality. When shared, tea creates a moment of connection.
Why We Chose Mizuhiki for Our Packaging
At Sugimoto Tea, mizuhiki reflects how we think about tea and the relationships that surround it.
Mizuhiki visually represents the Japanese concept of En (縁), the connections that form over time between people, places, and moments. These connections are not accidental. They are formed through repeated encounters and shared experience.
The knots we use on our packaging are mizuhiki knots. They are not easily undone. As the ends are pulled, the knot tightens. This structure reflects the kind of relationships we value, those that deepen through care, trust, and continuity.
Our work has always depended on such connections. Relationships with tea farmers, artisans, partners, and customers have shaped our path over the past 80 years. Each one has played a role in sustaining Japanese tea culture and carrying it forward.
By choosing mizuhiki for our packaging, we see tea itself as a form of gift giving. Not only as something to be consumed, but as a gesture, one that acknowledges the people involved, the time invested, and the connection created when tea is shared.
Packaging, in this sense, is not separate from the gift. It is part of the message.
A Gift From Us to You
Mizuhiki has long been used to give form to intention in Japanese gift giving. Its knots mark a relationship and the moment in which a gift is exchanged.
Tea has played a similar role. Given with thought, it becomes part of the moment rather than the focus of it.
At Sugimoto Tea, mizuhiki reflects how we think about connection. A knot that tightens as it is pulled suggests relationships that deepen over time.
Seen this way, mizuhiki and tea meet at a simple point. A gift does not end with the exchange. It continues in how it is received and shared.