Fukubukuro vs Otanoshimi fukuro

If you've been in Japan a while, you may have noticed a lucky bag called a 'otanoshimi fukuro'` which is often translated into a "fun bag". They are separate to the 'fukubukuro' new year lucky bags. Ever wondered what's the difference?

In truth, both a "fun bag" and "lucky bag" are essentially the same thing, in modern Japan. Both bags have an assortment of items. However, when I first came to Japan there was more of a distinction to them. Because back in 2000 the new year 'fukubukuro' where blind or mystery lucky bags. in other words, you didn't know what you were getting in them. At that time the 'otanoshimi' bags typically declared what was contained within. In addition, back then, you would really only see fukubukro at new year s and otasnoshimi bags were available at different times of the year.

Nowadays, unfortunately, even with fukubukuro you typically know now what you are getting in the bag. In addition, they are available from as early as the end of November in some instances. i think its taken some of the fun and magic out of them. I will never forget the excitement and joy of opening my very first lucky bag. i just don't get that excitement anymore because I know exactly what i am getting before I open it.