# Obi (publishing)

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Strip of paper containing information for media in some Asian countries

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The *[Shinmeikai](/source/Shin_Meikai_kokugo_jiten)* dictionary, with an *obi* strip along the bottom

An ***obi*** ([Japanese](/source/Japanese_language): 帯) is a strip of paper looped around a book or other product. This extends the term *[obi](/source/Obi_(sash))* used for Japanese clothing; it is written with the same *[kanji](/source/Kanji)*. It is also referred to as a *tasuki* (襷; another kimono accessory), or more narrowly as *obigami* (帯紙; "belt paper"). Obi strips are most commonly found on products in Asian countries, especially Japan.

## For books

Many books in Japan are supplied with an *obi*, which is normally added outside any [dust jacket](/source/Dust_jacket). However, a book in a [slipcase](/source/Slipcase) may have an *obi* around the slipcase.

In English, the term *belly-band* is sometimes used instead.[1] In French, the term *bandeau* is more frequently used.[2]

## Other applications

The terms *obi* and *tasuki* are also used for a strip that is looped over one side (usually on the left) or folded over the top of (vinyl) [LP albums](/source/LP_record) released in Japan, and folded over the left side of music [CDs](/source/Compact_Disc), [video games](/source/Video_game), [LaserDiscs](/source/LaserDisc), or [DVDs](/source/DVD). In this particular context, those *obi* in cardboard are commonly called *spine cards* in English, particularly by collectors of [Japanese editions](/source/Japanese_edition).

With the exceptions of books where belly-bands are used to add marketing claims, *obi* were unique to Japan and are used to provide the title of the product, track listings (if applicable), price, catalog number and information on related releases in Japanese. Nowadays, Japanese publishers also release internationally some collector's edition of video games with their *obi*. It is used by the consumer to determine what is included in the album or book, and the store can use the information for ordering. *Obi* are sometimes used on boxes for collectible toys and figures. Products with an *obi* have become popular with some collectors, as products with the *obi* intact can fetch premium prices and are collectible items in their own right.[3] A secondhand record or CD with a still intact *obi* may be worth more than the same with the *obi* missing.

## References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Obi (publishing)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Obi_(publishing)).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** For example, Jeff Ladd, "[Errata Editions Limited Edition Sets](https://5b4.blogspot.com/2010/02/errata-editions-limited-edition-sets.html)", 5B4 Photography and Books, 26 February 2010. Accessed 7 January 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Aïssaoui, Mohammed; Dargent, Françoise (21 January 2010). ["Le bandeau, meilleur ami du livre ?"](https://www.lefigaro.fr/livres/2010/01/21/03005-20100121ARTFIG00503-le-bandeau-meilleur-ami-du-livre-.php). *[Le Figaro](/source/Le_Figaro)* (in French). Retrieved 8 January 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** [What is an obi strip?](http://www.minilps.net/mini-lp-replicas/what-is-an-obi-strip/). Home of Japanese Mini LP Paper sleeve Replica CDs on the net. Retrieved 2010-12-19.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Obi (publishing)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obi_(publishing)) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obi_(publishing)?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.