Nengajo: Japan's New Year Cards and Mourning Postcard Etiquette

Updated October 24, 2026 | By Tokyo Paul

In Japan, the New Year has its own mail tradition. Nengajo are New Year's cards, and the system around them is distinctive: cards are held at post offices and delivered together on the morning of January 1. This guide shares what Nippon.com reports about nengajo, with practical tips for anyone who would like to send one. Postal rules, prices, and deadlines can change, so check with Japan Post or your local post office before you mail anything.

What Nengajo Are

According to a Nippon.com feature, nengajo are New Year's cards, similar in spirit to Christmas cards. People send them to friends, relatives, colleagues, and others to greet them at the start of the year. The tradition is appealing because it combines a personal message with a shared timing.

How the Delivery Works

The feature explains that post offices hold the cards and distribute them on the morning of January 1. To make sure a card arrives on that date, the article says you should post it between December 15 and 25. That window is important, because cards posted outside it may not arrive on the first day of the year. Since today is October 24, you have plenty of time to prepare, but it is good to know the window early.

How Many Cards?

The article says that each household receives around 50 to 100 cards on average. This figure comes from the feature and may differ from current numbers, but it suggests how large a tradition this is. If you are new to nengajo, you do not need to send dozens. A few thoughtful cards to people who matter to you are plenty.

Zodiac Animals

Cards often feature the eto, the zodiac animal of the coming year. You can choose a design that features the animal, or simply write a message. If you are not sure which animal is associated with the year, check a reliable calendar or ask a local friend. Designs vary, so choose something that suits your taste.

When Cards Are Sold

The feature says that nengajo are sold from early November. This gives you time to buy cards, write messages, and mail them within the posting window. If you are traveling, you may find them in post offices and stores. Ask staff for help if you are not sure which card to choose, and be aware that prices and types vary.

A Note About Mourning

One of the most thoughtful parts of the system is the mochu hagaki, a mourning notice. The article says households in mourning send these in early December so that people know not to send a New Year's card. If you receive one, respect it by not sending a card to that household. A short, kind message of condolence may be appropriate in other ways, depending on your relationship, but follow local customs and ask someone if you are unsure.

Writing Your Card

You do not need to write an elaborate message. Consider these simple ideas.

1. Greet the person and express thanks for the past year.

2. Share a short update, if appropriate.

3. Offer good wishes for the coming year.

4. Sign your name clearly.

5. Double-check the address, because mistakes can delay delivery.

If you are writing in Japanese, consider asking a native speaker to review your message. If you are writing in English, keep it warm and simple.

Practical Tips for Mailing From Abroad

If you live outside Japan and want to send a card to someone in Japan, look up the international mailing options and deadlines in advance. International delivery times vary, and the January 1 delivery system described in the feature applies to domestic mail posted within the window. A card sent from abroad may arrive later, which is perfectly fine, as long as you do not expect delivery on a particular date.

Connecting With Other New Year Customs

Nengajo are one of many New Year customs. The Wikipedia article on osechi describes traditional New Year foods served in boxes called jubako, and the article on kadomatsu describes decorations placed after Christmas. Hatsumode, the first shrine visit, typically takes place on the first, second, or third day. Together, they form a rich picture of the season.

Choosing a Design

Cards range from simple prints to elaborate designs. If you are new to the custom, a clean design with space for a handwritten message is a good place to start. Think about who will receive it. A card for a colleague may be more formal, and a card for a friend can be playful. If the card features the eto, consider whether the animal suits the recipient's sense of humor. When in doubt, choose something warm and neutral.

Building a Simple Routine

If you like the idea of sending cards each year, set a reminder in early November when cards are sold, write a few each week, and put the posting window in your calendar. Keep an address list in a safe place and update it as people move. A small routine makes the tradition enjoyable rather than stressful, and it keeps your contacts warm without much effort.

Keeping Privacy in Mind

Addresses are personal information. Store your address list securely, avoid sharing it widely, and ask permission before including someone's address in a group mailing. If you use a printing service, read its privacy policy. A little care protects the people who trust you with their details.

Timing Details From Nippon.com

Nippon.com reports that to arrive on January 1, nengajo must be posted between December 15 and 25. It also says post offices hold cards and distribute them on the morning of January 1 instead of delivering early, and that post offices, convenience stores, and stationery stores start selling nengajo in early November. If you want to send cards from within Japan, mark these dates on your calendar. Posting later may mean cards arrive after the holiday, and rules and cutoffs can change, so check current notices from Japan Post.

How Many Cards and How Many Postmen

The article says each Japanese household typically receives about 50 to 100 nengajo, delivered on January 1, and that Japan Post's nengajo production peaked at 4.4 billion in 2003 and has gradually declined since. It also says workers at more than 20,000 post offices nationwide take part in an early-morning ceremony before delivering cards. The numbers are averages and historical peaks, so use them as a general guide.

Zodiac and Lottery Numbers

According to the page, cards often show the eto, or zodiac animal, for the coming year, though some are plain or have only a printed greeting. Japan Post cards have lottery numbers printed at the bottom, giving recipients a chance at small prizes. If you receive a card, you may want to ask a friend how to check the lottery numbers, since the details change each year.

A Note About Mourning

Nippon.com says households that lost a family member during the year do not receive nengajo, and instead send mochu hagaki, a notice of mourning, in early December. If you know that someone has lost a family member, do not send a New Year card to them, and follow local advice if you are unsure.

An Old Custom With Unknown Beginnings

The page says the practice dates back to the eighth century by belief, but that no record shows who sent the first card or when. That is a reminder to say "believed to date" when you repeat the claim.

Practical Tips for Writing Cards

Choose a card design that fits your relationship with the recipient, and keep your message short and warm. Write clearly, double check the address, and use a pen that does not smear. If you are writing in Japanese and are unsure about phrases, ask a friend or teacher to review your card, since a small mistake can change the meaning. Posting from abroad takes longer, so allow extra time and check postal service information. A simple handwritten note is often appreciated more than a perfect one.

Questions People Ask

What is a nengajo? A New Year's card, similar to a Christmas card.

When should I mail it? Between December 15 and 25 if you want it to arrive on January 1, according to the feature.

When are cards sold? From early November.

What is a mochu hagaki? A notice sent by households in mourning in early December.

How many cards do people receive? Around 50 to 100 per household on average, according to the article.

A Small Habit of Thanks

Sending a card is a small way to say that someone matters. In a world of instant messages, a handwritten card can feel quietly special. Even if you send only one, it may be the one that makes someone smile.

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Further Reading

• Nippon.com: Nengajo, Japan's New Year Cards

• Wikipedia: Hatsumode