Nengajo Yubin Tokubetsu Toriatsukai Kaishi-bi (Start of Special New Year Postcard Handling)

What Is This Day?

December 15th marks the day Japan Post begins its "special handling" of New Year's postcards (nengajo) each year. Cards deposited with this special handling by December 25th are guaranteed delivery on New Year's Day (January 1st)—a long-standing and important year-end custom in Japan.

The History of Nengajo

The custom of sending New Year's greetings is said to originate from the Heian period (794-1185), when aristocrats exchanged written New Year's greetings. It spread to ordinary citizens after Japan's postal system was established in 1871, and by the early 1900s, mass-produced New Year's postcards with printed designs had become the norm, taking the form we recognize today.

The History of "Otoshidama" Lottery Postcards

• 1949: Japan's first lottery-numbered New Year's postcard (with a chance to win prizes) was issued.
• Evolution of Prizes: Sewing machines, bicycles, and televisions (Showa era) → travel packages and home appliances (Heisei era) → cash and electronic money (present day).
• Winning Numbers: Announced via lottery drawing every January, around the time of Coming-of-Age Day.

Key Points for Sending Nengajo

• Mail by December 25th: Miss this deadline, and delivery on New Year's Day is no longer guaranteed.
• If You Are in Mourning: Send a "mochu hagaki" (mourning notice) in November or early December instead, and refrain from sending New Year's cards.
• Digital New Year's Greetings: While greetings sent via LINE and social media are on the rise, a handwritten nengajo carries a warmth that digital messages can't replicate.
• A Personal Touch: Even on a printed card, adding a brief handwritten note is always deeply appreciated.