Buying a lucky bag, or fukubukuro, from a department store is a common New Year’s holiday activity in Japan. Toys, electric gadgets, and cosmetics are among the items included in lucky bags. However, until you purchase the bags, you do not know what’s inside. Lucky bags are appealing because of the feeling of wonder that comes with this “mystery.” According to reports, an increasing number of overseas travelers are gaining lucky bags these days. This custom stems from the Edo era (1603-1868). Back then, kimono shops (today’s stores like Mitsukoshi and Daimaru) offered ebisugiri, or little bits of fabric, in a bag for a low price. Ebisuuri was the name of the company. Fukubukuro, as we know it now, results from this.