Japanese SPEED WRAPPING Gift Experience ★ ONLY in JAPAN

[@halfey]

Speed is one thing but doing it with such precision and accuracy is really impressive.

[@Hans-gb4mv]

And to think that most of us are only fast at unpacking... for years I've been trying to find ways to slow people down when unpacking, but I still fail to this day.

[@jypsywith_a_jae7575]

I did some speed wrapping this past weekend. Little accuracy. No precision.

[@achacs1]

too slow

[@daynajordan5296]

The hardest part for me is cutting the wrapping paper nicely and making sure it’s the correct size for each present. It looks like they used correct size precut paper for the mochi food box. So nice.

[@dianebaker5243]

Agree 👍

[@Der_Kleine_Mann]

I once ordered a gaming controller from Japan. When the package arrived, I was blown away by the level of skill and perfectionism by which the package was wrapped, and all the stickers were put on so nice and clean. I kept it, because it's so beautiful. Never seen anything like it before.

[@ChibiKeruchan]

you are lying. we all know that if it shipping across borders your package will arrive with thick plastic bubble wrapping not one but 2 and a very thick plastic tape around and a QR code.

[@Pavlinka__]

@@ChibiKeruchan that's true, it works like this with letters. you get the ugly protection one, and in that is the branded, nice one.

[@PengusKingdom]

agreed bro is just tryna fit in @@ChibiKeruchan

[@evajawidzk2068]

Wow that is great

[@Der_Kleine_Mann]

@@ChibiKeruchan Nope. That wasn't the case with that order. There came only the carton box.

[@saba-mizuni]

非常にクオリティの高い映像です 内容、映像、編集、どれをとっても素晴らしいです。 日本人は「もったいない」精神が強いので、包装紙を破らずに丁寧に開ける人が多いです。ペーパーはゴミにせず、メモ用紙やブックカバーにするなど、できるだけ再利用します。若い世代はそういうことをしなくなったかもしれませんが。 私も包装紙を破ったことがなかったので、国によっては包装紙を破りながら素早く開けることが、プレゼントをもらった喜びを表現していると聞いて、なるほど！と思いました。

[@alanfarrugia9751]

It all revolves around respect. The wrapping is an expression of thankfulness towards the customer, and value is added to the gift through the effort in wrapping meticulously. I experienced this when I bought a tie, which was the last one available and donned to a manequine. It was meticulously steam pressed, folded and wrapped to perfection, that I felt almost guilty when I came to wear it. Not to mention that I got into the shop close to the closing time, and still the salesman took his time to attend. Then the final straw which blew my expectations off was when he escorted me on my way out of the shop while holding the bag, and then handing over to me at the door, all inclusive with the typical cordial bow!

[@KaligarPrimus]

Thank you for this. You actually showed where I bought my first chopsticks as a child, when I was 8yrs old in the 60. I fell in love with Japan as a child and it has never left my heart. Again thank you for this video.

[@resting_mantis]

This is one country which generates love and respect through even small things it does. Love everything Japanese !

[@dean43669]

I think the Japanese people took their job seriously. No matter the job, from janitor to ceo, their job is basically their life. From the Day in. A Life Series, you can totally see rhw discipline of the Japanese people. So it's no wonder that gift wrapping job are a thing in Japan.

[@bettyframe8044]

100% western civilization could learn a thing or two from them!!

[@Schamisheep]

While it's in a way true there is also the side of japanese offices being extremely unproductive compared to the rest of the world (many many hours of work with little actually done). The dedication you can see so often in media is primarily people in the service industry that are having direct contact with customers. It's kind of a honor thing to do your best to please the customer that is basically paying your salary and I think it's really impressive.

[@shabadooshabadoo4918]

@@Schamisheep I've heard this too. Apparently you are expected to socialize with colleagues and stuff. But I have no idea really, its just what i've heard.

[@tamiz8895]

I agree, it’s the thoughtfulness and commitment, the pride in one’s work. Another thing in regards to the woman wrapping the food up is the repetition…she knows exactly what will work based on many many hours of doing the same thing over and over.

[@a.p.5429]

@@Johnny-cu4zi 😕

[@patriciaromero5347]

I remember my mother brought me a gift from her trip to japan, it was so beautifully wrapped that i went very slowly to maintain its shape, took the gift out and put back together the wrapping paper, used it as a decoration in my home for a long time.

[@muji-rushi7556]

Finally, the Japanese Department store got a spotlight!! It looks like a museum, right? I used to work there. So much work and knowledge for selling products. Should be proud of the World which this culture still exist! Thank you for taking nice way! Most Japanese workers are really putting hearts into their work!

[@pblw4276]

My favorite department store is Shinjuku Isetan! As I was born and grew up in the city, I must go there (at least once) when I visit to see my family.

[@goldenpacificmedia]

I am from California and have only been able to get to Japan once in my adult life. During that trip, I went to Ginza during Christmas in 1994 and sat in the second floor restaurant over the main entrance and recall sitting there watching Japanese cars turning the corner, the Sony store across the street flying the Japanese flag, and then eating a wonderfully presented meal from the Mitsukoshi store. To this day, the memory of that experience hit a deep chord with me. Mitsukoshi is one of the greatest stores in the world. It was truly an honor to sit there.

[@Ichigocraftco]

Are they reasonably affordably like a Macys here?

[@muji-rushi7556]

@@Ichigocraftco Well, it's not really expensive because of the quality there. Hope, have a wonderful experience in Japan!!!

[@rh5875]

My favorite dep store was Mitsukoshi in Nihonbashi because my work is in front of them Mitsui. I am not sure still call Mitsui/Toray building. I will still shopping at them when I visit Tokyo.

[@kimberlypatton205]

This is how I have always wrapped gifts since I was a teen and started doing Origami. It is a sense of pride in the precision you develop in what you are doing that compels your perfection . It is sort a a personal challenge to do small jobs with excellence that leads gradually and gently to doing things that you thought you could not… a sense of orderliness in controlling and manifesting the best you can.

[@charleshoy9105]

I am retired from a Japanese Auto maker in Ohio. (Wink wink). In 2014 I had the honor of a quick trip to Japan for (10) days. From Utsunomiya, to Suzuka with a side trip to Kyoto. I had worked with this company for 35 years and was always fascinated with the Japen culture. I was so impressed with the cleanliness of all areas in Japan and how courteous all of the people are. I never felt unsafe in my travels and was thoroughly impressed with Kyoto and the age and architecture of the temples. Yosh!

[@ちーやん-o7h]

お疲れ様でした。😊

[@ithydoodles]

I knew quite a few people that worked at the Marysville plant if we're talking about the brand I'm thinking of 😉

[@jackraglin5526]

I’ve been to Japan six times and I have never appreciated the significance of wrapping until now. This was a real eye-opener for me and the next time I had a fortune to be in Japan I will pay much closer attention and give more appreciation to the importance of wrapping.

[@DRC644]

I never would have thought that a video about gift wrapping would be so interesting.

[@ぷりん-i6x5l]

ラッピングをビリビリにしてプレゼントを開けるのを初めて見た時ビックリしたけど、そんなにワクワクして早く開けたかったのかな？って可愛く感じました 日本だと、失礼のないように丁寧にあけるとか、もったいないから別の事で再利用するのか普通だけど、嬉しさを体でも表現するのも素敵な事だなって思います 文化の違いだから色々な人がいて色々な方法があるのは当たり前ですよね みんな違ってみんな良い

[@けけ-u2i]

いいえ、良くないですね😌

[@けけ-u2i]

いいえ、良くないですね😌

[@amisim]

無作法認定されるかもね。 自分にされる外科医の手術がそうであってほしいというくらいのレベルでテープをゆっくりときれいに剥がすので逆に周囲からイライラされますね。紙を破いてしまうとなぜか悲しい。

[@graceho7845]

I can’t find any country that has a better gift wrapping than Japan in general

[@slyceth]

That's a very generic comment

[@fatbysnacksident3217]

@@slyceth I know lol like have you been Busy our lifelong search of gift wrappers??

[@graceho7845]

@@slyceth but it is true. In general, I haven’t found a piece of Japanese wrapping that is not far superior than general wrapping in other countries. I’d say I would say I am happy with any gift I bought I Japan and the wrapping is just the icing on top. I know the receiver would also appreciate that

[@slyceth]

@@klpjjalan Well i didnt back it

[@RadenWA]

They can make an anime out of this

[@mildredmassey4742]

Omg. I just found your channel. I lived in Japan for 2 yrs and it was one of the best times of my life. Wonderful people and beautiful country. Thank you!!!

[@robertcrist6059]

You know I shouldn't be surprised by the fact the Japanese have such deep passion and meaning behind something as small as wrapping a gift. Truly amazing what their culture brings to the world. I'm legitimately going to get an empty box wrapped when I visit and keep as a display to share this amazing history. Honestly an empty box to show off and maybe a box filled with fun stuff I do while visiting like a receipt from a restaurant that was great, a ticket to see a Sumo match, and most definitely my ticket to a baseball game.

[@emmellj7133]

I really like the Japanese way of thinking about the actual presentation of the gift and the grateful reception of it. Giving and receiving mean something. Thank you for sharing!

[@TheWanderingWife]

I LOVE Mitsukoshi! I try to go every time I’m in Japan, and the customer service there is amazing!

[@dawnyofthelight]

Not only is it quite impressive but every package is become so beautiful

[@amymillerart]

I'm not Japanese but I have always loved wrapping gifts and making them look beautiful. With the popularity of gift bags in the US I've found when I give a carefully wrapped gift with beautiful bow (and sometimes an accessory...usually an ornament at Christmas) people light up and I know the little bit of time I spent making the wrapping special made the recipient feel special, too. In general they tend to spend more time and care in unwrapping it as well.

[@emmawelder3154]

Hello pretty

[@emmawelder3154]

Can I have your intention?

[@emmawelder3154]

I knew here is not right place to discuss but if you don't mind reply me

[@ToTheGAMES]

@@emmawelder3154 Thats weird dude

[@mattiemathis9549]

I really like that it’s more about the sentiment than monetary value. That’s pretty cool.

[@BROUBoomer]

My mother and her sister took gift wrapping to a whole new level back in the 1960's when I was a child. Seeing this reminds me of them. I was also taught to carefully open presents to save the paper to reuse it. Mother loved expensive paper, and reusing it was important, we couldn't afford it otherwise. We're Americans of English decent, but now I'm wondering if there's a Japanese person somewhere in our ancient ancestors that taught our family the importance of giftwrapping and reusing the paper. I was raised by my divorced mother alone, there wasn't expensive gifts under the tree, but you'd never know it by how beautiful the presents were wrapped. Mother always gave me a pair of scissors to carefully cut the tape to save the paper. I swear I think that one piece of silver gift wrap she had been reusing since the 60's, through the 80's. And that's one of the things I love about my mother. 👵✌️🖖

[@yellowbird2157]

Wow - yes - my story is so similar - only my mom had the skill of wrapping presents using no tape at all - so that it was always reusable. Frugal and talented. ♥️

[@megansmith1382]

My parents taught me to tear right into our presents. "Opening the presents by actually getting to demolish and destroy the paper was what opening gifts was all about" that's what they always said, "opening gifts wouldn't be fun if you couldn't tear through the paper like a wild child haha" my father would say and then my mother, "exactly, what's the fun in opening presents if you couldn't tear into them?" So basically my parents don't know anything about this culture and they also always purchased super cheap wrapping. I can imagine them singing a different song if they purchased super expensive wrapping and cared about the way they had wrapped the gifts and wanted to teach us culture and appreciate every single part of the gift not just what is inside. I envy your story, I find it beautiful that your mom did that for you. I am only just right now learning that there are people our here in the world who cared at all about how exactly a gift was wrapped and the meaning behind ways that the gifts are wrapped. It is actually quite beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story. Your memories are sweet and I bet your mother is a very beautiful and poised woman and if she still has that peice of wrapping you should frame it because there is a lifetime of memories and stories to be told. Perhaps in honor of your mother you can do something like that with your own children and when they're grown frame a peice of the wrapping for each of your children and give that to them as a gift. That is an amazing idea. I wish my kids weren't grown and I could do something like this for them. They wouldn't give 2 cents about it growing up but once grown that would be one absolute incredible gift 😍 okay ill stop chit chatting and let you go. I just really loved your story, mine is so opposite that yours fascinated me a lot, then the ideas are endless haha okay, have a wonderful day and may the new year bring you many blessings ❤

[@BROUBoomer]

@@megansmith1382 Hi, Your parents sound like fun to me. It would have been a good idea to save some paper framed. But many years ago it finally gave out. And I was never blessed with children. So mother's legacy dies with me. I like giving gift bags so they're reusable, or store recycling bags so people can reuse that part of the gift too. I recently gave a wedding gift in a rayon recycling bag, my friend loved the bag as much as the gift. But mother's idea of reusable packaging for gifts is ingrained in me. I can't see using one time use paper, unless it's for other people's children. Kids like ripping paper. My poor husband didn't know what to think the first time we went to my mother's for Christmas and she handed him scissors to open his gifts. ☺️ I had to explain. After that she bought cheap paper for him so he could tear it. (We miss him dearly, may he rest in peace.) Thank you for the long chat, it was nice. May everyone in this chat line have a blessed, happy, and prosperous new year. 👵✌️🖖

[@Masquaradethewriter]

The saving paper came from the Great Depression

[@roseelley4470]

My parents also taught us to save the paper. My mom also taught me that it is nice to spend time wrapping the gift because when you take the extra time to wrap with care it makes your gift extra special because your time communicates the importance of the other person to you.

[@kameko_swallows]

デパートで毎日当たり前にしている事を、こんなに感動して貰えるのが驚きです！私のラッピングもスピーディーで正確ですが、まさか外国人に特集される技術とは

[@sakaeokada6962]

Almost all shops and stores in Japan can do the beautiful wrapping, especially department stores. Mitsukoshi is one of the most sophisticated in the world. Basically Japanese like to neatly wrap things like that and can do it like Origami. I once had a part-time job at a traditional Wagashi (Japanese sweet) shop when I was a student. I learned how to properly wrap many different-shaped boxes. Round shaped box was very difficult.

[@mirta9211]

Amo a Japón y su gente. Ordenados, honestos , trabajadores...

[@satriowibowo_youtube]

Wow John, this episode really unique, as it give us perspective of something so japanese yet we never talk much of this thing!

[@onlyinjapan]

Thanks Satrio! I want to explore more Japanese culture in the series in 2023 like this, a lot I didn’t know about.

[@EDU4519Computing1]

There's no other word to describe these people other than: disciplined. The Japanese are amazing people and their precision is simply reflected in anything they lay their hands on.

[@knjmoorhouse5093]

Loved this episode. I LOVE giftwrapping and feel like a total novice while watching the Japanese do it so beautifully and at that incredible speed. I MUST go to Japan and LEARN!

[@romanaa7070]

So graceful. So elegant. I love it.

[@chandarussell]

The Japanese have etiquette for everything it seems. It’s amazing how fast and beautifully they wrap gifts.

[@SAKURA_KIRAKIRA]

動画の美しさやセンスを感じます。 日本人が観ていても楽しい動画でした✨😊 ありがとうございます！

[@galgathor6817]

I feel like precision and discipline is just bred into their DNA at this point. I've never seen such a country dedicated to being excellent. Its incredible. Japan is incredible. The people amaze me.

[@barbaraayala7808]

I went to Nagoya Japan in 2003 & 2005 I wish I could have just stayed. The whole trip was amazing! Watching this video makes me want to go back.

[@galgathor6817]

@@barbaraayala7808 im hoping to take the mrs also!

[@maryams2016]

Yes and with the highest rate of suicide since being so robotic can kill you 🤫

[@galgathor6817]

@@maryams2016 I'm not sure if anyone was talking about that, but thank you for the morbid fact.

[@muhammadfirdaus634]

Gift wrapping is like an art to them. Now i know after watching this that Japan takes gift wrapping seriously. I just love how every gift is being wrapped beautifully. There’s even a proper way to unwrap a gift. Thanks for this informative video, John.

[@kiy2347]

Yes we unwrap gifts respectfully and many times keep the wrapping papers😊

[@sturben2453]

Everything is an art to them, pride, maintaining traditions and total devotion to what they do separates them from other countries.

[@girlart9]

Right! When I worked at Hewlett-Packard, Japanese business men would come to meetings and bring a little gift to my boss. He would accept it with both hands and bow. Whoever bows lowest is subservient to the other one. And always take their business card with both hands too.

[@薫子-g3e]

昔、アメリカの映画でプレゼントのラッピングをビリビリに破って開けるのを見て、とても驚きました。日本では、ラッピングペーパーを綺麗に開いて取っておき、ブックカバーにしたり、飾りを作ったり、折り紙にしたり、子供の工作に使ったりもします。 日本の物を大切にする「もったいない」の文化を広めたいです。 風呂敷はバッグにもなるので便利です。これからも、日本の文化の素敵な紹介を宜しくお願い致します。

[@raymondcenteno5835]

Gift giving and presentation are so important to Japanese. I remember watching them gift wrap a train set I bought from Laox. I was amazed then, I’m still amazing now. Thanks for the video!

[@SupremeLeaderKimJong-un]

Don't make me hungry for some dango, John! Love how even the wrapping culture in Japan has rich history! Appreciating the history of an ethnic culture is how you further appreciate the world and all the cultures surrounding us. When I became addicted to origami, I started doing origami boxes for gifts. I actually find it cute, and I feel like the person whom I am giving it to would feel special and also appreciate the effort I put into making it.

[@av8ionUSMC]

I’m blessed to have spent 4 months in this amazing and beautiful country. What I remember most, generally speaking, the people were very kind! Hope to go back someday 😊

[@deborahkelly1489]

Our family lived in Osaka for five years. My dad was a military pilot and served 33 years total. Three of my 7 younger brothers were born here. I loved living in Japan. We would go to the Ginza and shop. It was different in the late 50‘s and early 60‘s.

[@fh_jar]

I always love how japanese people wrappings their present, i find it so satisfying especially with their techniques and speediness.. And i dont know that the wrapping actually has their own meanings.. Wow..

[@aliecarey]

I must have been Japanese in a past life- wrapping gifts is one of my favorite things. Often people say they don't even want to open it 😁 I will go to multiple stores to find the right paper and ribbon ❤️

[@gratuitous1]

Sweet.

[@RunwayCats]

guuuuuuuuuurl same i get super excited and i offer to wrap other peoples gift its so fun

[@cococho2767]

YES!!! PAPER IS PART OF GIFT, IN EUROPE WE ALSO KEEP OUR GIFT PAPER AND OPEN IT WITH RESPECT. I WAS SHOCKED IN NORTH AMERICA HOW THEY HAVE NO MANNERS FOR SO MANY THINGS, including gift wrapping, unwrapping, availability of supply for this industry etc. Thank you for wonderful video, I learned about left side for funeral gifts.

[@jagergerg9771]

Japan treats, gift, wrapping like an art an art I respect that

[@楓季-j3b]

日本のラッピング技術本当に素晴らしい… 見ていて惚れ惚れする

[@aliasmarg8ta127]

It was fascinating to watch store keepers wrap everything I bought so beautifully when I was there back in the 90s. I love gift wrapping and would volunteer to do it for friends and family. I can't do the creases as neatly as these wrap professionals though. I'd probably watch this video a 100 times.

[@Mymysticmama]

Opening gifts must share a lot with Sicilian tradition? IDK, but when I was kid it was very dangerous to rip into our Christmas gifts. Our mom loomed over us, and we each took turns opening gifts one at time, gently peeling off tape and saving the paper, ribbon, etc. Then we had to pause and "appreciate" the gift, thank the person associated with it, then it was the next persons turn. Holidays in my family were extremely stressful!!! With my own kid I've ditched all the formalities (?) = No rules - just a whole bunch of LOVE!

[@BusterKitten]

Holy cow!! Growing up watching my mom and aunties wrapping gifts and the intimate detail they'd put into it was never appreciated by me. I always thought that's just the way it's done. My mom would always tell me to unwrap gifts properly but she never told me any of the background of why all these things were done this way. After watching your video, I now understand, and appreciate better what my elders did.

[@MeowO_O]

Now it's your turn to wrap some gifts for your mom and aunties.

[@BusterKitten]

@@MeowO_O Yes but that generation of my family have all passed. What I will do is teach my kids and grandkids why bachan wrapped their gifts so elegantly.

[@rikiamaru]

I think japanese has talent to make art out of everything, amazing

[@clydekawanishi7998]

I remember as a kid living in Los Angeles there was a gift shop and the owner would wrap the gift perfectly every time in Little Tokyo LA. This was way back in the 1950’s.

[@clay2889]

Its nice to know that the Japanese open gifts without tearing the wrapping paper! It makes total sense. I will try doing that from now on too

[@paulasimson4939]

That's so interesting about the differences in how the gifts are unwrapped. In western culture, it's more about the gift itself, rather than the thought behind it and the relationship between the gifter and giftee, as it seems to be in eastern culture.

[@hanselpollack4075]

I remember as a young person, it was impolite to rip at wrapped gifts, especially, in front of the gift giver….often the wrapping is carefully undone and the paper, and ribbons saved. Beautiful wrapping, and flourishes of ribbons were part of the gift itself, and showed how much you respected the recipient and the gift. This has been true in the United States for generations.

[@sakurapablo671]

Only within Japan, that you gift wrapping as an art form. And I kid you not, this is why I love about Japan.

[@横田浩久]

以前日本に住む外国人女性ユーチューバーが仰っていました。来日中の友達にプレゼントを差し上げたら彼女は大変喜んで綺麗に包装されたプレゼントのリボンを引きちぎりバリバリと包装を破りその場に捨てた後中身を見てワーオアメイジングサンキュウと言って喜んだそうですが生粋のアメリカ人には丁寧な包装の意味は分からないのだと複雑な想いをしたそうです。

[@s-holy]

そうですね。包装紙を貰ってその場でグシャグシャ引き破いて中身を取り出すのは決して失礼じゃないらしいですね。でもな～日本人からしたら目の前でそんなことされたら・・・・

[@横田浩久]

@@s-holy 様 アメリカ人は包装紙やリボンに対してそれほど価値が有るようには思って無いらしく日本人なら相手にさしあげる物は自分の物より丁寧に扱うべきと考えるのでこの様な文化が無いのだから仕方ないですね。それと、アメリカ人が全てでは有りませんが折り紙を習ったことのある人は別として紙を二つ折りか四つ折りにしても角と角がかなりズレているそうです。

[@lucindajoseph8585]

The more I learn about Japan the more I feel I belong there LOL. I take such pride in wrapping gifts and making the wrapping look special even if the gift is small - I feel it's never appreciated or noticed by the people I give gifts to but I will never stop, a beautiful-looking gift is so important to me for some reason.

[@Maatkara1000]

I totally get you, it's exactly the same for me!!!

[@lisaevans8403]

I love a exquisitely wrapped gift. It is a lost art and there is nothing more fun than opening gifts that are wrapped up in beautiful wrap and a bow. It makes you feel like a child again. In america everyone is into bags. I am sick but when I am able I really try to wrap as many as I can bc I know how good it makes you feel. I enjoyed watching this it is mesmerizing.Thank You.

[@hidekigomi]

Besides their techniques, one of the reasons why the stores can do this so quickly and precisely is that the wrapping papers are designed and pre-cut to fit the boxes they use, I never know what size is the best to wrap my gifts! Haha. And since this is so well-known now, many Japanese like myself living in overseas sometimes struggle, because they expect us to wrap perfectly as if we were the masters of papers, when I give a gift in a gift bag, I could see their disappointment on their faces LOL.

[@onlyinjapan]

That’s what rulers are for 😂 with Maeda-san at Yuibito, we had to measure it perfectly to fit the box. It sure took WAY more time but you are 100% right. The key to speed wrapping is to know what you’re wrapping and be ready for it.

[@marianagaoka9687]

So true, 😆 they expect all Japanese people (living abroad) to be able to do this to perfection.

[@nirupachadha6345]

My passion for wrapping came from two creative wrapping books from Japan. Now my daughter has inherited that passion from me. 15:38

[@barbaraayala7808]

@@nirupachadha6345 My mom is from Nagoya Japan and she was always a perfectionist with her wrapping but she did a beautiful job! I can't wrap LOL

[@calliemyersbuchanan6458]

@@marianagaoka9687Well I didn't before this video but NOW i do! 😜

[@tab9773]

I relate to their rule of never opening gifts in front of anyone. My family always insisted that gifts should be opened privately. They explained the reasons for this: 1) If someone else's gift is noticeably less expensive, the giver might feel ashamed or embarrassed; and 2) No matter how hard you try to look pleased about a gift, a look of displeasure might initially show on your face. Even if the expression is fleeting, and quickly replaced by a look of happiness, it might be too late --- the giver will have noticed the displeasure, and won't believe you when you say that you like the gift. If you're given gifts by people who expect the gifts to be opened right away, you just tell everyone that your family has a long-held tradition of opening gifts privately. Some people might still be offended, but you can't please everybody.

[@whatzittooyah9182]

I like how the wrapping methods seem to go along with how the paper naturally wants to crease and fold up, rather than fighting against the paper. Super neat. Thanks for the vid!

[@snowmonster42]

I noticed this too! The same was true in my brief flirtation with origami. Once you find yourself struggling with the paper you know you've made a mistake somewhere. I can't wait to try this approach with wrapping.

[@AnnacolleenEtters]

My husband spent ages 4-8 in Osaka Japan, 1952-56, and he appreciates wrapping like no American I ever met!

[@frankiewillis1772]

I love to watch them wrap gifts. It is like art . So beautiful I could watch it for hours. Wanted to teach myself how to do it. The Japanese have got it going on.

[@carlalatuda6574]

When I visited Japan, everything I purchased was wrapped to precision. Even if it was a tiny trinket. I love the presentation.

[@michaelsasano8622]

This was an awesome video John! My late mother is from Hokkaido, and I remember very vividly watching her wrap gifts for her Japan friends when they visited Hawaii. Bought back wonderful memories for me. Thank you so much my friend for always putting a smile on my face. Happy Holiday's to you and your family!

[@kittymaya4615]

I love gift wrapping and one of the only things I splurge on is paper & ribbon. I use clear packing tape because I haven’t found a Scotch-like tape that can keep the heavy paper closed so neatly. I always loved wrapping presents & today everyone can spot one of my gifts from across the room

[@simply_aviation]

One of the many things that has always fascinated me about Japan was their culture around gift-wrapping. Thank you so much for dedicating a video to it. Fantastic script writing and camera work, loved how detailed, yet clear to follow and in-depth it was!

[@ppppp132]

ラッピングとは少しそれますが、書店での本カバーをつけてもらうのもとても芸術的です！あの手捌きを見るのが好きでした。今は書店も減ってしまいましたが。。

[@brucehutcheson5302]

Hi John. This video brought back memories of my late father of when he ever opened a gift or present that he would always undo the wrapping paper very carefully and fold up the paper to reuse on things like my school jotters when I was little. Thanks again for a very informative and interesting video.

[@dukecity7688]

My mother was a great wrapper. She worked at Christmas for Jordan Marsh. She also wrapped all our school book covers using paper bags. No tape. I still have one. Yes. It is an art. 🎁

[@palalabu]

when my aunt was still working for toyota in our country, i think her boss or colleagues often brought back yoku moku as omiyage. i remember that i like it a lot. maybe next time I'm going to japan again or someone is going to japan, i will buy it to reminisce.

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

"Perfectly wrapped, as all things should be" - Thanos, probably. Mitsukoshi's even in North America! They've been at Epcot in Disney World since opening day in 1982! They're known as the Japanese snacks and video game merch shop rather than a department store though 😂. The Japanese really take gift wrapping and presentation to another level. I like how it's like an art form to them. What surprised me was the techniques used for the presentation. Wrapping presents and watching others wrap presents is one of my favorite holiday activities! It's comforting and relaxing and I love the sounds/ASMR. Thank you for this wonderful and heartwarming glimpse into Japan's wrapping culture.

[@happyyuk]

I came from an East Asian culture that generally shares much of the same value as Japan when it comes to gift wrapping. I started wrapping gifts for my primary classmates as young as 8 or 9 and all corners and folds were encouraged to be done perfectly though not required because I was a child back then. These days after becoming a parent, knowing the environmental impacts of plastic blended paper that cannot be recycled, I usually opt for the mostly ordinary brown paper and wrap it without any tape just a piece of ribbon. Sometimes I just use gift bags so it can be reused by the recipient. Also, I agree the point on the ripping of gift paper part, though I won’t feel too much guilt breaking small parts of the wrapping paper while removing it, I tend to do it with care trying not to damage the paper so that I could reuse it next time and the habit developed when I was very young so I generally encourage my children to do the same because you can reuse the paper (especially if it’s patterned) for crafting which they are obsessed with at the current age.

[@iwancimeng1397]

Keterampilan dan kecerdasan orang Jepang tidak perlu diragukan lagi. Mereka adalah pelopor dibanyak bidang pekerjaan dan sangat berdedikasi.

[@drivestowork]

Fantastic! Brings back good memories! I was an exchange student almost 40 years ago. And was absolutely fascinated that all the department stores wrapped anything you bought in store paper like this! And, I still have all of those sheets of store paper! 40 years later! My family never did figure out why I got so good at Christmas wrap! ps. I was told that most department stores wrap your purchase in store paper instead of putting it in a bag because most Japanese carry their own bag. Or carry those wrapping cloths with them.

[@JMarieCAlove]

I love wrapping gifts, I’m good and a perfectionist in wrapping. Even my husband lets me wrap his sister’s presents. I think because I have so many relatives, I have bought a lot of gifts and carefully wrapped them, and added ribbons and bows. Sometimes I’ll add a small ornament from a certain holiday so they can keep it and hang it up all year. These ladies are well trained to be quick to wrap because they’re also making sure the customer doesn’t wait too long.

[@FreyaOakley]

When I was around 5 years old I picked up a secondhand book on Japanese wrapping techniques because of all the wonderful pictures. Now I've learnt a few things from it and really enjoy being able to wrap a gift well. Once it's practised a bit it's quite a calming exercise.

[@a.k.3110]

Thank you so much, i appreciate the peek in the Japanese gift and gift wraping culture you gave. This opened up my mind, and now i won't see wrapping gifts as a necessary task to hide the gift inside to surprise my loved ones. This video reframed gift wrapping, giving and receiving. It seems i had some experiences that kind of stood in my way. So this is healing. I feel glad to see giving and wrapping from a new perspective now. It's a way to communicate adoration, care, love and respect. Thank you.

[@cheers2023]

I miss Japan so much. I love the detailed way they show respect. It's not superficial because they care about being respectful. It's a top priority. We could sure stand to have that as our top priority here in the States.

[@jamesolson7179]

I would love to learn how to wrap gifts like that. Its also very helpful that the paper is cut to the exact needed size.

[@WowplayerMe]

I love how all the wrappers take the utmost pride in their work. It's outstanding. Also, I loved how some of them only need one small piece of tape for the whole box. When I wrap gifts, I use a whole roll of tape for just the first corner!

[@Garrido-u2p]

Love the way Japan does things, never takes things for granted & respectful …

[@brucewayne2773]

Japan definitely has the gift wrapping down to perfection. Merry Christmas🎄to you and family👨‍👩‍👦

[@MyRocx]

Great high production video. Thanks for the tutorial of how to wrap a present with a cloth. Always amazed with Japans attention to precision and wrapping a gift is just another one of them.

[@cgk.thankgod]

The reaction of your son to you ripping apart a wrapped gift was hilarious! Even if it was scripted. This though has left me wanting to try Japanese gift wrapping with my next special occasion.

[@rickcarter4417]

I couldn’t help but notice how beautiful and uncluttered each shop was. Minimalist displays and arrangements…much classier than our western style of merchandise stacked floor to ceiling.

[@barbaraayala7808]

When I went to the stores in Nagoya they were always so clean and arranged perfectly. When you walk into the stores they were their to greet you and bowed when you left the stores. It was so welcoming. You feel the respect they had for people and so honorable in many ways. I feel like the US is behind time at least 10 years. The clothing even seem to be far ahead of us in fashion. Ever get a chance to go you will love it.

[@velshock]

@@barbaraayala780810 years is generous 😊

[@Earnshawfully]

In our family we wrap and open gifts carefully, and we have re-used some of our papers for quite a few Christmases! So, it's like meeting old friends, as well as some new. I think this is quite unusual in our country (England). I always love turning the Christmas cards into gift labels for the following year, too. It's eco.

[@sonyachen4514]

LOVE the idea of re-use!!

[@DawnDavidson]

We do this too! USA, raised in the Midwest, with grandparents who lived through the depression. These days we do gift bags instead (which we save, of course!), but we still reuse the tissue paper and ribbons when we can! And we still turn cards and envelopes into tags for next year. *high fives* to you my friend, for shared eco sensibilities!

[@cheronroggen9638]

Awesome Video. Who would think that wrapping is a serious skill. Japan makes it look sooooo beautiful. Love it!!!

[@huggledemon32]

As a white Australian- hearing that a department store opened in the 1600’s and is still open, is mind blowing!

[@JMarieCAlove]

Thank you for letting us know your skin color and where you’re from. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@rhythmandblues_alibi]

Ever since I was a kid I have hated to rip the paper off a gift. It seems very aggressive and sort of disrespectful? Or unappreciative. To just tear it off quickly and toss aside. It has never sat right with me, even when my family would say "just rip it!". I'm glad to see, after all these years, that I am not alone 💜

[@katomoon6170]

I'm a Ugandan who has had the opportunity to study and experience Chinese Korean and Japanese culture. But one thing that I admire most about Japanese is their attention to detail, politeness, hygiene / sanitation/ neaness and civility. Only in Japan can u lose a wallet and have it returned to u with all your belongings including cash. Low crime rate, people respect each other and personal space and generally mind their business, In fact u can even comfortably sleep or leave your front door open and not have any worries that some burglar will bump into your house. This doesn't mean that Japan is a perfect country but their is a lot learn from Japanese people. Appreciation from Uganda-East Africa

[@KumasKitchen]

The mitarashi dango was delicious. Great dango - great wrapping - fantastic!

[@ixur1960]

Wrapping was one of the hi-lights for me in our Japan trip…can’t wait for some cherry blossoms seeing again .

[@kiy2347]

Some of my friends are working at department stores in Japan. On of the first training they received were gift wrapping as it's a crucial part of their customer service

[@chevydude658]

I really enjoyed this! For some reason it really lifted my spirits this evening. Such a positive and happy video. Man! I really appreciate it.

[@snowysnowyriver]

40 years ago I lived in Germany and the department stores did exactly the same thing, and better. One particular Christmas, the store where I bought all my major presents gift-wrapped them with beautiful folded paper peacock's tails as decoration. I've never seen better anywhere else.

[@tubereuse_criminelle]

amazing! who would have thought I'd be watching a video about the tradition of wrapping with such a huge smile on my face! Thank you for sharing! Thoughtfulness is a blessing!

[@jkoadventures7401]

Sugoi!!!! LOVE this episode! Kanae and Leo are the perfect additions! Thank you for making this! 😍💞

[@Jake-ox2rd]

The wrapping was so satisfying! I saved this video so I can go back and try to imitate it later!

[@ゲゲゲケケケ-q3h]

わたしもう小さい頃に包装紙を綺麗に畳んで、機会があるごとにリボンも取っておいて、コラージュしてプレゼント用に使ったりしてました。特に和菓子用のラッピングには和紙が使われていて質感が違うので丈夫だし、季節毎の柄が綺麗なんです。

[@pattithompsett9540]

Lovely and quick. With the paper the exact size and the worker wrapping the boxes every day of course they are fast

[@JunipersTravelJapan]

My father used to work at a department store. I saw him wrapping a box in front of me when I was a child. Kanae-san is good at wrapping! Yoku moku is my favorite confectionary maker and I was just eating its cookies. I like your point of view as a film producer. Merry Christmas!