Japan Post Begins Nationwide Sales
Japan Post began selling its 2027 New Year greeting postcards on November 2, 2026, at post offices and other outlets across Japan. Known as nengajo, these cards are traditionally sent to family members, friends, colleagues and acquaintances to share New Year wishes.
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The postcards also include a lottery element, giving recipients an opportunity to win prizes. However, the long-standing custom has faced growing pressure as more people choose digital greetings and social media messages.
New Mailing Schedule Announced
Japan Post has revised the schedule for handling New Year cards. It will begin accepting the cards for New Year delivery on December 20, 2026. To help ensure delivery on January 1, customers are advised to mail their cards by December 27.
The recommended mailing date is two days later than in previous years, reflecting the trend of people preparing and sending their cards closer to the New Year.
Sales Period Extended into January
The sales period for the 2027 New Year postcards will continue until January 15, 2027, extending approximately five days beyond the previous schedule. The longer period gives customers additional time to purchase cards for their seasonal greetings.
Japan Post offers different postcard designs, including standard cards and illustrated options. Some designs also support charitable causes through an additional donation included in the purchase price.
Printed Card Numbers Fall Again
Despite the continued availability of New Year postcards, the number printed for the 2027 season has declined significantly. Japan Post initially printed 555.92 million cards, a decrease of 25.7% compared with the previous year.
This marked the 16th consecutive annual decline. The initial print run was also approximately one-eighth of the record high recorded in 2004. The figures reflect changing communication habits as digital platforms increasingly replace traditional seasonal mail.
A Tradition Adapts to Changing Habits
New Year greeting cards remain a familiar part of Japan’s seasonal culture, offering a personal way to maintain relationships and send good wishes. For some families, preparing and mailing the cards continues to be an annual ritual, particularly when communicating with older relatives and people who live far away.
The continued decline in printed cards highlights the challenge of maintaining traditional customs in a digital age. Japan Post’s revised schedule may make the process more convenient for people who still wish to participate.
Japan Post’s 2027 New Year card sales began on November 2, alongside changes to the mailing and sales schedules. Although printed postcard numbers continued to fall, nengajoremained an established seasonal tradition, connecting people across Japan as they prepared to welcome the New Year.
