How Much Goshugi Should You Give at a Japanese Wedding?

Calculate the proper cash gift amount in yen for a Japanese wedding celebration.

What's your relationship to the couple?

This has the biggest impact on the recommended gift amount

Wedding Gift Culture in Japan

Japanese wedding gift etiquette — known as goshugi (ご祝儀) — follows precise cultural rules. Cash gifts must be given in crisp, new bills placed in a special decorated envelope called a shugi-bukuro. The amount must be an odd number (10,000, 30,000, 50,000 yen) as even numbers suggest the couple could split apart. The number 4 is avoided as it's associated with death.

The standard goshugi at a Japanese wedding is ¥30,000 for friends and colleagues, ¥50,000–¥100,000 for close family. The presentation matters enormously — the shugi-bukuro should match the formality of the occasion, your name should be written in careful calligraphy, and the bills must face the same direction with the portrait side up.

Japanese wedding receptions are formal, meticulously planned events. Guests typically receive a return gift (hikidemono) worth about 30-50% of their goshugi, so the couple effectively receives about half to two-thirds of the total gifts given. This reciprocal system is deeply ingrained in Japanese social customs and helps explain the structured gifting amounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much goshugi should I give at a Japanese wedding?

The standard is ¥30,000 for friends and colleagues. Close family gives ¥50,000–¥100,000, extended family ¥30,000–¥50,000, and acquaintances ¥20,000–¥30,000. Always give odd amounts — never even numbers.

Why must goshugi be in odd numbers?

Odd numbers can't be evenly divided, symbolizing that the couple won't split apart. Even numbers (especially 2, 4, and 6) are avoided. The exception is ¥20,000 for casual acquaintances, where you give one ¥10,000 bill and two ¥5,000 bills (three bills total, which is odd).

How should I present goshugi?

Use a shugi-bukuro (decorated money envelope) appropriate for the occasion's formality. Insert crisp new bills facing the same direction. Write your name on the outer envelope using a brush pen or calligraphy. Hand it to the reception desk upon arrival.

What is hikidemono?

Hikidemono are return gifts that couples give to each wedding guest, typically worth 30–50% of the expected goshugi amount. They usually include a catalog gift, sweets, and a decorative item. This reciprocity is an essential part of Japanese gift culture.