Noshi

Noshi is a traditional Japanese ceremonial ornament attached to gifts to convey good wishes and gratitude. Historically, a noshi was a small strip of dried meat or fish tied to an offering and wrapped in ceremonial paper; the term came to denote the decorative element itself. In modern practice, noshi usually takes the form of a folded piece of washi paper attached to gift wrap, paired with a decorative cord known as mizuhiki.

In contemporary usage, the noshi is affixed to gift envelopes and wrappers for formal occasions such as weddings, births, and seasonal gifts. A mizuhiki cord is tied in a bow—the colors signaling the occasion. Red and white indicate auspicious events; black and white are used for mourning or condolence gifts. While real dried meat noshi is rarely used today, the paper ornament remains symbolic and widely recognized in gift presentation.

The tradition’s origins lie in historical gift-giving practices in Japan, and the noshi ornament became standardized in various regions through periods such as the Edo era. Today it remains a prominent element of Japanese gift etiquette, reflecting respect, gratitude, and well-wishing toward the recipient.

See also: mizuhiki, gift etiquette.