The Japanese Diagonal Wrap: How to Wrap a Gift in Under a Minute
If you've ever watched a Japanese department store wrap a gift, you'll know it's mesmerising. In seconds, a box is turned diagonally, the paper folds around it in a few crisp movements, and it's finished with a single piece of tape. The method is called naname tsutsumi, or diagonal wrapping, and it has become one of the most shared gift wrapping hacks online.
It uses less paper, leaves beautifully clean lines and, once you've done it twice, is faster than wrapping the usual way. Here's how.
What You'll Need
- A rectangular or square box
- A sheet of wrapping paper large enough to cover the box when it sits diagonally
- Double-sided tape
- A ribbon, if you like
Paper that holds a sharp crease makes all the difference here. Thin paper wrinkles, while heavier paper folds into clean, tailored lines.
How to Wrap a Gift Diagonally
No. 01
Place the Box on the Diagonal
Lay your paper pattern side down and set the box upside down in the middle, turned at an angle so its corners point towards the edges of the paper. The paper should only just reach past the box's corners. If there's lots of extra, trim it down.
No. 02
Fold Up the Nearest Corner
Bring the corner of paper closest to you up and over the box, pressing it flat against the side. Tape it lightly in place.
No. 03
Fold In the Sides
Lift the left side of the paper over the box, folding the small triangle of excess neatly underneath so the edge runs straight along the box. Repeat on the right. Each fold should follow the box's edges, creating those signature diagonal lines.
No. 04
Finish With the Final Corner
Bring the last corner over the top, fold its edge under for a clean line and secure it with one piece of double-sided tape. Turn the box over, and you're done.
Tips for a Perfect Diagonal Wrap
- Less paper is better. If it feels bulky, the sheet is too big. Trim it until it barely covers the corners.
- Crease as you go. Run a fingernail along every fold for crisp lines.
- Choose an all-over print. Diagonal lines look best with small repeating patterns or stripes.
- Never write on the paper. In Japan, a separate card or tag is considered more polite.
A single 30" x 36" sheet is ideal for this method on medium boxes. Try it with a geometric or striped print, like our Velvet Stripe, where the diagonal folds really shine. Wrapping something without a box? See how to wrap a gift without a box.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Japanese way of wrapping gifts?+
The best-known method is naname tsutsumi, or diagonal wrapping, used in Japanese department stores. The box is placed diagonally on the paper and wrapped in a few quick folds with very little tape.
Is diagonal wrapping faster?+
Yes. Once you know the folds, diagonal wrapping is quicker than traditional wrapping and uses less paper.
What size paper do you need to wrap a gift diagonally?+
Just enough to reach slightly past the corners of the box when it sits diagonally on the paper. Too much paper makes the folds bulky.
What is furoshiki?+
Furoshiki is the Japanese art of wrapping gifts in a square of fabric, tied at the top, rather than paper.
Like fashion for your gifts.
