Art of Japanese wrapping: here's a contest to create your best furoshiki designs

The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur is welcoming submissions for its inaugural Furoshiki Design Contest. Photo: JFKL

Bored at home? Here is something for art and design students to think about. The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur (JFKL) is calling for submissions for its first Furoshiki Design Contest.

With the theme “Malaysia + Japan”, this contest aims to discover and showcase new creative talent in Malaysia through the creation of furoshiki designs.

Furoshiki is a square piece of cloth or fabric traditionally used mainly to wrap objects, or carry and store them.

In recent years, it has gained popularity in different countries around the world as a modern alternative to gift-wrapping that is not only versatile, but also environmentally friendly.

Furoshiki is also enjoyed for its decorative qualities.

“This contest was organised as an effort to introduce people to Japanese wrapping customs where furoshiki is used to carry, store or wrap objects. It has regained its popularity as it is environmentally friendly and helps reduce the use of plastics, ” says Nurul Amira Sabri, JFKL programme and administrative officer.

Participants are expected to have fun and get creative in integrating Japanese and Malaysian culture elements in one design.

The template is provided on the JFKL website here.

The contest, which runs from now until Feb 28, is open to art and design students above 18 who are studying either in public or private universities, colleges, vocational, or any other educational institutions in Malaysia.

A cash prize of RM2,500 will be awarded to the first prize winner, with RM2,000 and RM1,500 for the second and third prize winners, respectively.

The winning works will be used for producing actual furoshiki by JFKL.