What is the best way to give wedding money in Japan with odd, new crisp notes?

[Addison.W]

I’ve been invited to a wedding in Japan and learned the gift amount should be in odd-numbered bills, but only new, crisp notes. I’m worried my slightly worn currency might be seen as careless, even though it’s the correct amount. How do guests from there usually handle this?

[EvelynVH]

In Japan they really do expect an odd number of bills and fresh notes. A lot of guests I know try to swap for crisp new bills at the bank before the wedding, and they slip them into a proper shugi-bukuro envelope. It feels more respectful to the couple even if the amount is the same.

[Jason37]

I once carried notes that were a bit worn and got anxious about it. The guests and couple were gracious, but I spent a minute regretting the crease in the corner.

[Kyle9]

Do you think the worn look is the real issue, or is it just the odd number of bills that matters to them?

[ZacharyGR]

Another angle is the envelope itself—color, the name on the card, the way you present it. Some folks drift off topic about wedding favors, but it seems the paper matters less than the thought.