Contents
Introduction
Japan, a nation rich in cultural traditions, welcomes the New Year with a unique and cherished practice known as 年賀状, pronounced as “Nengajo.” This tradition involves sending and receiving New Year’s greeting cards, each carefully crafted to convey well-wishes and share the joy of the season.
About Nengajo
The tradition of New Year’s cards in Japan traces its roots back to the Edo period. During that era, people exchanged letters known as “Nengashijo” as a form of New Year’s greetings. This practice is considered the precursor to the modern New Year’s cards we know today. As the Meiji period unfolded and the postal system saw improvements, the popularity of New Year’s cards began to soar. The inaugural New Year’s card sent by mail occurred in 1873 (Meiji 6). What started as a distinctly Japanese tradition evolved into a significant way of conveying New Year’s greetings.
New Year’s cards encapsulate sentiments of compassion and blessings for the recipient. They come in various styles, ranging from traditional designs to more contemporary and creative expressions. It’s common for individuals to infuse a personal touch into these cards by incorporating family photos or including handwritten messages.
People typically prepare and send their New Year’s cards ahead of time, ensuring they reach their recipients on or just before January 1st. The cards are meticulously crafted, with handwritten messages conveying heartfelt wishes for health, success, and happiness in the coming year.
Even in today’s modern, digitalized world, New Year’s cards retain their importance as a meaningful way for many Japanese people to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. Despite the prevalence of digital communication, New Year’s cards persist as a unique and cherished aspect of Japan’s New Year culture.
Do Japanese people still send out New Year greeting cards these days?
The tradition of sending New Year greeting cards remains alive and well in Japan. According to a survey conducted by ナビット with 1,000 respondents, a significant 51.6% expressed their intention to send out New Year greeting cards in 2024. Impressively, 7.8% had already sent their cards ahead of the New Year festivities. While the majority embraces this tradition, a notable 40.6% mentioned that they do not have plans to send out New Year greeting cards.
Despite the digital age and alternative means of communication, the act of exchanging tangible and heartfelt New Year wishes through traditional cards continues to be a prevalent and cherished practice among a considerable portion of the Japanese population.
Who do Japanese people send New Year Greeting Cards to?
Japanese people extend New Year Greeting Cards to various individuals, as revealed by the Navit. The survey indicates that the majority, comprising 31.5%, send these cards to their friends and acquaintances, emphasizing the importance of maintaining connections with those in their social circles. Following, 14.9% of respondents mentioned sending New Year cards to their 親族関係 (kinship/relatives), underlining the significance of family ties during this festive season.
Additionally, 8.8% of participants expressed the tradition of sending New Year cards to their immediate family, strengthening bonds within their household. It’s noteworthy that a portion of respondents also extends this gesture to colleagues and business-related connections, highlighting the broader social and professional network encompassed by this cherished tradition.
Wrap-up
In summary, the nengajo tradition in Japan is a beautiful way for people to connect, express good wishes, and celebrate the New Year. It serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining relationships and sharing positive energy as one year transitions into the next. Whether sent through traditional mail or digital means, the spirit of the nengajo tradition continues to play a significant role in the New Year celebrations of many Japanese people. Why not try sending one too?
Data Source: 株式会社ナビット
