What is Fukubukuro?
Fukubukuro is a Japanese-specific tradition where you – the consumer – purchase mystery bags filled with an assortment of products from a retail store. Some stores in other countries picked up the practice. Now, buying Fukubukuro is an international practice.
So read on to find out more about Fukubukuro. Yes, that means how you can get your bag of luck. Should you even get one? If you decide to get one, what tips do you need to follow to get some unique items?
History
Fukubukuro have a long history. Ginza Matsuya Department Store invented the concept of a lucky bag in the twilight of the Meji era – the late 1800s and early 1900s. The idea has spread to other locales across Asia and the United States.
Fukubukuro in Japanese means “lucky bag”. Think of it as a discount way to get niche products. Have you seen long lines for an iPhone launch? Don’t be surprised to see long lines for lucky bags at places from mom-and-pop stores to behemoth shopping malls across Japan. Sales start just after Christmas.
Any consumer product you can think of can be in a lucky bag. Clothes, snacks, and even retro video games fill these bags of fortune. Therefore, prices range from five yen to several hundred million yen.
Fukubukuro Selection Process
Businesses plan which items will go into the lucky bag and its price well in advance. Sacks can be themed to a specific department or relate to the store or the customer’s needs.
In addition, even vouchers for services or expensive items can be in a fukubukuro. Store owners go as far as to put rare or very pricey items into a lucky bag to attract buyers hoping for a chance at an expensive item for a low cost.
As a somewhat of a gag gift, there are bags called misfortune bags or depressing bags. These bags contain items people may not want. These retail at low prices – 1000 yen or less. For comparison, a retailer priced a golden tea ceremony set for 201,600,000 yen (about US $1.6 million) in 2017.
Quick Tips for Getting a Fukubukuro
A fukubukuro buyer described the shopping experience to the British Broadcasting Corporation as:
“[Buying a Fukubukuro] is a bit like gambling. I’ve bought Fukubukuros myself… it’s the excitement of not knowing what’s inside them, and also the chance at getting something cheaper than its actual cost.”
Here are the tips:
- Research. Research. Research. Some shops sell Fukubukuro bags (or boxes!) online. Go online and do a quick search for [brand name] + 福袋 + [current year].
- Buy what you intended before your visit. Although buying a fukubukuro bag is a fun experience, don’t go overboard. Lucky bags can cost a bit of money. Buying more than what you planned can lead to empty bank accounts quickly.
- Know your clothing size. If you want clothing fukubukuro, then know your measurements before you make a purchase.
Where to Shop for Fukubukuro
Your favorite retail chain or local business will likely have specific fukubukuro. Even Starbucks offers these mystery bags in Japan. Keep an eye out for signs that mention fukubukuro for sale. Lastly, websites like Japan Haul and Sugoi Mart also have lucky bags for sale online.
Conclusion
Fukubukuro is known for its randomness and surprise factor. Ironically, the key to a successful fukubukuro hunt is a plan and a strategy. Make your lucky bag shopping experience pleasurable by following our Japan travel tips, and you will have an enjoyable time. These articles might be of interest to you:
