Why don't Japanese people use red packets of gift money to attend weddings?

Although Japan is located in East Asia, like China, there are some differences in the culture of the two countries. For example, Chinese red, which is very festive and auspicious for Chinese people, is not necessarily good for Japanese people. And since Japan has been heavily influenced by Western culture since the Meiji Restoration era, when they aspired to break away from Asia and enter Europe, they may prefer white, which represents purity.

On the other hand, the Japanese place a lot of emphasis on ceremonial aspects. When attending something as big as a wedding, of course you have to give a proper gift. If you just take a few pieces of cash and put them in a red envelope and give them away, it doesn't seem like a very solemn gift. Japanese people prefer to give very nicely wrapped gifts. It must be wrapped in a cardboard shell. And Japanese aesthetics tend to like plain colors, so the wrapping paper may also choose less saturated color, rather than bright red. If friends and family have to give each other cash, they will put it in an envelope, not in a conspicuous red envelope.

Additionally, it is also the subtle and introverted nature of the Japanese that makes them dislike giving red envelopes. Those of you who have read The Chrysanthemum and the Sword know that the Japanese have two sides to their character. On the one hand, they have the spirit of martial arts and are very cold on the inside, just like the sword. On the other hand, their hearts are also very soft and sensitive, and they have a unique aesthetic for elegant things, like to enjoy cherry blossoms in the spring and chrysanthemums in the fall. This subtle character makes them like to silently express their concern and blessings to others, and will not be inclined to stuff red-colored red envelopes to people in public. As a result of concern for the feelings of the other party, the Japanese will be afraid to do so to the other party to bring trouble.