The Japanese tradition of sending nengajō (New Year’s greeting cards) is similar to Christmas cards, but with a whole host of unwritten rules to consider. If you think sending loved ones a card for Oshōgatsu (“New Year”) would be simple, think again! It’s important to know when, how and who to send them to.
Sending your cards after 7 January is a huge no-no! From November you’ll find hundreds of different nengajō designs to choose from at supermarkets, post offices and stationery or department stores. Some people like to create personalised cards, featuring photos of their families. Usually, when you buy nengajō they include postage so you don’t have to worry about stamps, and Japan Post run a tight system to ensure that most are delivered precisely on 1 January.
Other important things to remember – never send a nengajō to someone who has had a death in their family in the past year, but otherwise they’re a great way to express gratitude to relatives, friends and colleagues, or stay in touch. And if you receive a card from someone you hadn’t considered, it’s good etiquette to return the favour.