💍 Japan Wedding Gift Calculator (Goshugi Amount)

In Japan, wedding guests bring a money gift called goshugi (ご祝儀) in a special envelope (ご祝儀袋), presented at the reception. The amount follows strong etiquette norms: it is usually an odd number of 10,000-yen notes so it cannot be split evenly, and the amount rises with closeness:

You cannot "pay back" a wedding invitation - the gift is a congratulation, and the couple usually returns a hiki-demo gift plus, in many regions, a partial cash return (half in some customs). The exact amount is a balance of closeness, local custom and your own budget; these figures are widely cited standard ranges, not a bill.

Pick your relationship, whether you attend the reception, and whether you come alone or as a couple. The tool returns the standard amount range and a note about the notes and envelope etiquette:

Attending the reception usually means the amount covers your meal and the couple's gift. If you cannot attend, a smaller 10,000-yen gift is common, sent in advance with a card. The tool is an etiquette guide - the couple will appreciate whatever you give within your means.

1. Choose your relationship to the couple.
2. Select whether you attend the reception or are absent.
3. Choose single or coming as a couple.
4. Read the standard amount range and etiquette notes.
5. Prepare crisp notes in a goshugi-bukuro with your name and the kanji amount.

How much do friends give at a Japanese wedding?

30,000 yen is the most common single-friend amount. Couples attending together usually give 50,000-60,000. If you cannot attend, 10,000 is standard.

Why avoid 40,000 yen?

The number 4 (shi) sounds like death, and 9 (ku) sounds like suffering. Even-numbered note counts (which can be split) are also avoided; odd counts like 30,000 and 50,000 are preferred.

Do parents give more?

Yes - parents typically give 50,000 to 100,000 yen, and in some cases the couple's parents fund part of the ceremony separately. Siblings and close relatives usually give 30,000-50,000.

What if I cannot attend the wedding?

Send 10,000-20,000 yen (30,000+ for close family) in advance with a congratulatory card. Attendance mainly affects the amount because the reception meal is part of the gift.

How is the money placed in the envelope?

Put new bills in the inner envelope, write your full name on the lower-right of the outer one, and write the amount in kanji (e.g. 金参萬円) on the front. The knot should be the unloosening type (結び切り).

Is giving less than 30,000 okay?

Yes. Students and early-career guests often give 10,000-20,000. What matters is the congratulatory feeling - never let the amount strain your budget.

This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified financial professional for advice specific to your situation.

Ask around if you are unsure - regional custom varies, and friends of the same circle usually coordinate. If you are invited with your partner, couples often give 50,000-60,000 from the two of you rather than double the single amount. When you are a student or early-career, 10,000-20,000 is acceptable and well understood. Write the amount in kanji (参萬円, not 3万円) on the front of the envelope. Prepare new notes at your bank counter (ATM bills are usually fine but crisp notes are better). Give the envelope at the reception using both hands, with the knot side up for weddings (a bow knot that does not untie easily - 結び切り - for repeated celebrations). If the wedding is at a hotel, the front desk can often receive it in advance. For the day itself, a rokuyo check on an auspicious day is a nice touch, and many guests match the number with their zodiac year customs.