October 25, 2024 - by Zoë Brown

"Because we’re going to be consumed by gifting from now through December, we need to talk about gift wrapping. MeetKeiko Furoshiki, the family-founded brand fusing Japanese tradition and artistry with sustainable design. For centuries, furoshiki wraps have been used to sustainably wrap gifts and double as hairwraps, handbags, and accessories. Each piece is inspired by kimono and textile designs, made in a durable fabric that’ll last for years (and generations) to come. Your thoughtful gift deservesa beautiful wrapto match. "

April 22, 2024 - by Medea Giordano and Adrienne So

"Furoshiki are traditional Japanese wrapping cloths. These ones from a small, woman-owned business are made with stain-resistant recycled polyester. They're one of our favorite reusable products.

The wraps come in pretty patterns designed by the owner Keiko Kira and are a large 25 by 25-inches. They're meant to be used as gift wrap that your giftee can then use as an accessory or to gift to someone else, hopefully creating a chain of responsible regifting. They can also be used to hold your lunch to bring to the park or office, or for anything else you need to wrap up. Check out the different ways to tie them and if you are planning on gifting them, use the printable tag with a QR code linking to that page so your giftee knows what to do with them."

April 22, 2024 - by Medea Giordano

"If you're gifting someone you know will appreciate it (and reuse it), consider Keiko Furoshiki wraps.

Furoshiki are traditional Japanese wrapping cloths, and here, the 25 by 25-inch colorful wraps are made from stain-resistant recycled polyester and can be used to wrap gifts or to wrap up your lunch box to bring to the office. When they're not holding a package? Put them in your hair, tie them to a bag, or display as wall art.

The brand's website has instructions on different ways to tie them and there's even a printable gift tag with a QR code linking to that page so giftees know what to do."

November 16, 2023 - by Blythe Copeland

"The United States produces 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper every year, and half of that—approximately 2.3 million pounds—winds up in landfills," says Andrea Zoellner, co-founder of Keiko Furoshiki reusable gift wrap. While the paper industry's impact on biodiversity and local communities is a year-round issue, says Zoellner, it's especially pertinent during the holidays. "With the holiday season, the demand for virgin fiber specifically—as opposed to recycled—increases, since new material is easier to turn into the kind of glossy, colorful wrapping paper customers want."

December 22, 2023 - by Jane Kim

"Keiko Kira and her family founded Keiko Furoshiki as a way to combat disposable paper gift wrapping while also spreading the rich history and culture of Japan through its bold and vibrant designs. Furoshiki, which are multipurpose fabric cloths, are often used to transport common household items or reusable gift wrapping.

Using colorful schemes that resemble Japan's natural landscapes and centuries' worth of wrapping techniques, Kira is educating diverse communities on how they can be sustainable during the holiday season."

March 1, 2024 - by Bold Journey Editors

"Keiko , thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

My optimism is deeply rooted in my personal journey, shaped by both adversity and kindness. One of the most defining experiences of my life was stepping into the role of caregiver for my sick mother at a young age. This responsibility forced me to mature quickly, making my own decisions and preparing me for my future. Despite the challenges, caring for my mother instilled in me a sense of resilience and determination. It taught me that no matter how daunting the circumstances may seem, I have the inner strength to overcome them."

November 30, 2023 - by Canvas Rebel Editors

"Keiko, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

My most meaningful project is definitely starting a family business Keiko Furoshiki with my son Tyler and daughter-in-law Andrea. Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth. I am a Japanese-American who was born in Japan and came to the US as a teenager. Because of my background, I embrace our similarities and respect our differences when I meet people. To me, our community becomes larger and more accepting of each other when we connect with others and share the beauty of different cultures and traditions. How do I reach out to people to make this connection? Well, my medium happens to be visual art."