Happy New Year to all!
When we think of the Japanese New Year (正月; Shōgatsu), many exciting traditions come to mind, such as Hatsumode (初詣; first shrine visit) and Osechi (おせち; traditional New Year’s food). One popular New Year tradition in Japan is the Lucky Bag, also known as Fukubukuro (福袋).
A Fukubukuro is usually sold at a discounted price and contains multiple items inside. However, because the contents are often not known before purchase, Muslims should be aware of two important points before buying one.
⚠️Point 1: Unknown Contents — Issue of Uncertainty (Gharar) and Possible Gambling (Maysir)
The main attraction of Fukubukuro is the surprise. Buyers do not know exactly what is inside until they open the bag. This is similar to what is now commonly called a Mystery Box.
In Islam, business transactions should be clear and fair. The Qur’an says:
“O you who have believed, do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent.”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:29)
Islamic scholars explain that selling something without clearly knowing what is being sold involves gharar, which means excessive uncertainty. Classical Islamic books such as al-Mu‘tamād fi al-Fiqh al-Shāfi‘i mention that the item being sold should be known to both the buyer and the seller.
This principle is also supported by a hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA):
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade transactions involving gharar.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1513)
Because the contents of Fukubukuro are not always specified in advance, some scholars view this kind of "mystery box" as involving excessive uncertainty.
In recent years, this issue has also been discussed by the Malaysian Mufti, who issued a fatwa stating that buying mystery boxes on e-commerce platforms is not permissible when the buyer does not know what item they will receive at the time of purchase.
Another concern is how Fukubukuro are sometimes marketed. Phrases like “worth up to ¥XX,XXX” may encourage people to buy based on hope or luck. This can resemble gambling (maysir), which is prohibited in Islam.
While Fukubukuro are generally expected to offer good value, the problem arises when the purchase depends mainly on chance rather than clear information.
That said, scholars and Muslims may hold different views depending on how the Fukubukuro is sold.
- Viewpoint of Choosing to Avoid: Avoiding Fukubukuro when the contents are unknown, to stay away from uncertainty and luck-based purchases.
- Viewpoint of Conditional Permissibility: Considering Fukubukuro acceptable when the contents are clearly disclosed, the price is fair for what is included, and the purchase is not based on chance.
⚠️ Point 2: Be Careful of Bags Containing Snacks! High Possibility of Being "Non-Halal"
Some Fukubukuro include snacks or food items, either fully or partially.
Many Japanese snacks may contain non-Halal ingredients, such as alcohol-based flavorings, pork-derived gelatin, or animal fats.
If you cannot check the ingredients before buying, it is safer to avoid food-based Fukubukuro.
Safer options include:
- Fukubukuro that do not include food, such as stationery or clothing
- Bundle sets from Halal-certified or Muslim-friendly stores that clearly list all ingredients
✅ Summary: How Muslims Can Approach Fukubukuro
Fukubukuro are similar to mystery boxes, but not all are sold in the same way. If you are thinking about buying one, consider the following:
- Choose Fukubukuro with clearly explained contents
- Avoid Fukubukuro that depend heavily on luck or “up to” value marketing
- Avoid Fukubukuro that includes food, unless ingredients are clearly listed
- Choose Halal-certified or Muslim-friendly stores whenever possible
For Muslims who prefer to avoid uncertainty, choosing bundles or value sets with clearly listed contents is generally a safer option.
The JAPANeid January Monthly Set is offered as a transparent value bundle, not as a Fukubukuro or mystery box. All included snacks are listed in advance and have been checked for Halal integrity or are Halal-certified, allowing Muslims to enjoy Japanese snacks with peace of mind.
May Allah’s blessings be upon you all this year.
[Author's Note]
This article is educational in nature and does not constitute a fatwa.
The content is based on Qur’anic verses, hadith, classical Islamic teachings, and modern discussions, including statements by the Malaysian Mufti of the Federal Territory Office regarding mystery boxes. Readers are encouraged to decide based on their own understanding and faith.
