A centuries-old practice is being rediscovered by a new generation in Japan seeking to reduce, reuse and recycle. It's called furoshiki (foo-ro-she-kee), an eco-friendly way to wrap a gift. Folded from a single piece of fabric, no ribbon is required. Furoshiki functions as a wrapping for all sorts of objects, from wine bottles to wearables, pickles to purses, casseroles to cookies. It's far more attractive and interesting than a paper bag or wrapping paper. In addition to using it for wrapping a gift, a furoshiki can be fashioned into an attractive handbag, shopping bag or home decor item. Its versatility is limited only by the imagination.

One of Japan's foremost experts on furoshiki, Chiho Comono of Tokyo, who wrote a how-to book on the subject, was just in Honolulu to present workshops on the technique of wrapping furoshiki to members of the Japanese Women's Society and students at the University of Hawai'i Lab School.

Her book, with its cute, cartoonish graphics and bright colors, targets a new generation in Japan. Comono hopes the furoshiki fad will also take off in Honolulu.

A furoshiki begins as a square (or nearly square) piece of fabric, cut on the bias to achieve maximum flexibility. Sizes range from about 18 inches square to about 90 inches square.

While in centuries past a furoshiki was traditionally fashioned from pieces of silk, it's now made from cotton, linen, rayon or even polyester.

Comono, who calls herself a "lifestyle consultant and furoshiki lifestyle designer," took an interest in furoshiki 10 years ago. At that time, furoshiki were difficult to find in Japan and she was afraid the art of wrapping might be lost. She turned to a Kyoto textile designer and manufacturer, Yoshiyuki Hosokawa of Daiko Sangyo Co., who has enthusiastically supported her efforts. He is now producing a plethora of furoshiki fabrics for the Japanese market and donated 100 to Honolulu workshop participants.

A furoshiki is an elegant, eco-friendly way to offer omiyage, bring a hostess gift to a party or wrap a birthday present. Many of the styles are so simple anyone can do them.

Locally, furoshiki can be found at Shirokiya at Ala Moana Center, or Marukai carries polyester furoshiki for $1.99. Prices vary widely according to the fabric and its size. A scarf or bandanna can work as a furoshiki. It's also easy to make one. Simply fold and cut a length of fabric on the bias to make a chosen size square.

For information or to purchase: www.furoshiki.com or www.wahooya.com.