Japanese Gift Money Calculator
Find the right goshugi / koden amount based on your relationship and age.
Etiquette tips and envelope guidance included.
Cultural Note
This tool is based on Japanese cultural, taxation, or market standards. Calculations and terminology may not directly apply outside of Japan.
About
The Japanese Gift Money Calculator instantly calculates the appropriate amount (goshugi or koden) to give at Japanese ceremonies — weddings, funerals, births, school entrance, and housewarming. Based on your relationship, age group, and attendance type, it provides a recommended amount and range.
It also offers etiquette tips (avoiding even numbers, new vs. used bills) and envelope guidance (mizuhiki style, what to write, ink color). All calculations run in your browser — nothing is sent to any server.
How to Use
Select Event
Choose the ceremony type: Wedding, Funeral, or Birth/Other.
Enter Details
Select your relationship, age group, and attendance type.
View Results
See recommended amount, range, etiquette tips, and envelope guidance.
Glossary
- Goshugi (御祝儀)
- Gift money given at celebrations, primarily weddings. Placed in a special red-and-white envelope called a "noshi-bukuro."
- Koden (香典)
- Condolence money given to bereaved families to express sympathy. Placed in a black-and-white or silver envelope ("bukuro").
- Fukusa (袱紗)
- A cloth used to carry gift envelopes. Warm colors (red, pink) for celebrations; cool colors (navy, gray, purple) for condolences.
- Mizuhiki (水引)
- Decorative cords tied around gift envelopes. The knot style conveys meaning (e.g., bow knot, slipknot).
- Musubikiri (結び切り)
- A knot that cannot be untied, expressing "no repetition." Used for weddings and funerals.
- Choumusubi (蝶結び)
- A bow knot that can be retied, expressing "happy occasions are welcome anytime." Used for births and graduations.
- Goshugi-bukuro (祝儀袋)
- Formal, decorative envelope for wedding gift money. The quality of the envelope should match the amount inside.
- Noshi (熨斗)
- A decorative symbol printed on celebratory gift envelopes, derived from the abalone used as offerings in ancient Japan.
FAQ
- Q.Why avoid even-numbered amounts?
- Even numbers can be divided evenly, symbolizing "separation." However, ¥20,000 (a "pair") and ¥80,000 (lucky shape of 八) are exceptions.
- Q.What if I can only get new notes?
- For weddings, new crisp bills are preferred. For funerals, used bills are customary — fold a new bill once if needed.
- Q.How much for a couple attending together?
- Generally 1.5–2x the individual amount. If ¥30,000 per person, ¥50,000 (odd number) for a couple is standard.
- Q.Is gift money required in Hokkaido venues?
- Hokkaido often uses a "cover charge" system. Just pay the stated amount; additional goshugi is optional.
- Q.What is "goreidzen" vs "gobutsuzen"?
- "御霊前" (goreidzen) is used before the 49th day memorial; "御仏前" (gobutsuzen) is used from the 49th day onward.
- Q.How much if I can't attend the wedding?
- About ¥10,000, which is roughly 1/3 of the attending amount.
- Q.Is this result absolute?
- No. These are general market norms. Regional customs and personal relationships always take priority.
- Q.Is my data sent to any server?
- No. All calculations run locally in your browser. No personal data is sent.
Cas d'utilisation
Wedding Attendance
Find the right goshugi amount when you receive a wedding invitation.
Funeral Condolence
Quickly check appropriate koden amount when you hear unexpected sad news.
Birth Celebration
Look up the right amount for a friend's new baby gift.
Housewarming Gift
Prepare the right gift for a friend's new home.