“Ooiri” are Japanese Kanji characters that point to many people entering at once.

In sumo tournaments, vaudeville shows, and kabuki performances, where a large number of the audience arrive at once, “Ooiri-bukuro (celebratory bags)” are customarily given out to the people concerned, as a gift that includes the meanings of both consolation and congratulation.

In each bag is a sum of money starting with “5”, such as 5 yen, 50 yen, or 500 yen, and with a play on words on “Go-en” (connection), there are words bringing good fortune, with the meaning of “congratulations”.

Y’z

Born in Japan / Works in Tokyo

I was born in 1983 in Shinagawa, along the former Tokaido Highway, which is considered the seashore of Tokyo. After being active for 17 years as a designer, I started Ooiri Tokyo aimed at the overseas market from 2023. My works are utilize a new technique that absorbs unique Japanese culture, customs, and use of color in my own mind, and outputs this in a modern way.