Fukubukuro (English: Happy or Lucky Bags)

It has been very popular that Japanese people buy Fukubukuro (English: happy or lucky bags) during New Year's holidays. Fukubukuro is literally a bag which contains goods, such as clothes, accessories, and shoes. Some Fukubukuro specifically features food items, ranging from fruit to seafood. The reason why the bag is called Fukubukuro is that it is actually a happy or lucky bag, which contains goods more worthy than the money they pay. People also buy it to see if they have good luck in the new year because if they are lucky, they will find expensive goods in the bag.

It is normally purchased on the dates from January 1st and 3rd. People are not supposed to know beforehand what it contains, which is one of the most exciting secrets of its popularity. The year 2009, however, has seen interesting trends: people can buy Fukubukuro before the first three days of the new year 2010 although they actually get it after the new year starts. As early as the beginning of November, some department stores and boutiques started taking orders of Fukugukuro.

Moreover, these sellers disclose what their Fukubukuro contains and further make it customer-made Fukubukuro: Customers can choose the color, size, and design of the items contained in their ordered Fukubukuro. Although losing the excitement of seeing what is inside after purchase, customers can avoid the risk of getting items of unfavorable colors and designs, or different size. This unusual practice is also beneficial for the sellers. Despite the economic downturn, they can secure the customers and increase their sale with the help of Fukubukuro.