The Quiet Ritual of Writing Nengajō
I remember the first time I sat down to write nengajō (年賀状 / ねんがじょう) in my small apartment in Kyoto. The air was crisp with winter, and the kotatsu warmed my legs as I spread out the cards and my list of names on the tatami mat. Each card represented a moment of reflection on the past year and a connection to those who had shaped it. Former colleagues, distant relatives, friends from school, all warranted a moment of thought. I wondered, “What should I write to someone I haven’t spoken to in months?” Sometimes, it was just the year’s zodiac animal and a simple printed greeting. Other times, a few heartfelt lines squeezed into the margins.
These cards are not just a formality. They arrive on January 1st, a chorus of greetings that fill your morning with a gentle reminder of the relationships that endure, despite the distances and silences. The ritual of exchanging nengajō is like a quiet acknowledgment of one’s personal Wa, or harmony with the people in your life.
“Nengajō are not just cards. They are a practice of not forgetting the people who shaped you.”
Tracing the Origins of Nengajō
The tradition of nengajō has deep roots in Japanese culture, dating back to the Heian period (794 to 1185). During this time, court nobles exchanged formal New Year’s greetings as a way to maintain social ties within the aristocracy. As the practice moved from the courts to the samurai and eventually to the common people, it began to take on the form we recognize today.
With the advent of the postal service during the Meiji era, sending nengajō became a possibility for everyone, not just the elite. By the early twentieth century, they were an integral part of Japanese life. The postal service in Japan even offers a special New Year’s card service, ensuring that all cards posted by the cutoff date are delivered on January 1st. This simultaneous delivery creates a shared national moment of connection.
Japan Post issues special nengajō each year featuring the zodiac animal, and these cards often include a lottery number, with prizes ranging from stamps to household appliances. This little gamble has its charm and adds an element of anticipation to the tradition.
A Lifeline for Relationships
In modern Japan, nengajō serve as a simple yet profound way to maintain relationships that might otherwise fade into the background. They operate within the context of Japanese social life, which is often structured around specific environments like work, school, or neighborhood communities. When these environments change, the natural connections can weaken, but nengajō provide a way to keep them alive.
Each card is a gentle reminder: “I have not forgotten you. I am still here. Our relationship still matters.” The act of sending and receiving nengajō is a minimal effort with significant meaning, bridging the gaps that may have formed over the year. It is not about making grand promises or plans, but about acknowledging the relationship’s ongoing presence in one’s life.
There’s an interesting system of reciprocity involved too. Many people keep track of who sent them a card last year and ensure they return the favor. If a card arrives and you did not send one, etiquette suggests sending a return card soon after January 1st. This keeps the social ledger balanced, echoing the Gochisōsama spirit of reciprocity.
Crafting the Perfect Nengajō
The elements of a traditional nengajō are simple yet meaningful. Most cards include:
A New Year’s greeting: The phrase “Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu” (あけましておめでとうございます), or “Congratulations on the new year,” is customary. Importantly, this greeting should not appear before January 1st, which is why the postal system holds the cards until then.
The year’s zodiac animal: Cards often feature illustrations of the zodiac animal, which changes annually. These designs, sometimes created by artists or available commercially, anchor the card to a specific moment in time.
A personal message: While not required, a personal note, even a single sentence, adds warmth to the card. It shows that the sender took extra time and care.
Family photos: These are especially appreciated by distant relatives or friends who wish to see how families have grown over the year.
Your address and name: Clearly written on the back, so recipients can update their own lists.
Certain things are traditionally avoided. The number nine, “九” (ku), is considered unlucky due to its phonetic similarity to the word for suffering. Mentions of death or misfortune are also avoided, ensuring the card remains an uplifting gesture.
Adaptation and Resilience of Nengajō
Despite the tradition’s endurance, the number of nengajō sent each year has declined significantly over the past two decades. In 2003, Japan Post delivered approximately 4.4 billion cards. By the early 2020s, this number had fallen below 2 billion. Digital communication through messaging apps and social media has largely replaced these cards for casual exchanges.
Yet, nengajō persist, especially among older generations who cherish the tactile, personal nature of a handwritten card. Some younger people continue the tradition on a smaller scale, sending cards to grandparents, mentors, or anyone for whom a digital message seems inadequate.
“Some things survive not because they are efficient, but because they carry a weight that lighter things cannot replace.”
The ritual of receiving and handling a tangible card is something an app notification cannot replicate. It is a testament to the care and thought that went into choosing, writing, and sending it, much like the Kintsugi art of embracing life’s imperfections.
Nengajō for Non-Japanese Friends
For those living in Japan or with Japanese friends, sending nengajō is a beautiful way to participate in this cultural tradition. Here’s how you can join in:
Purchase cards: Official nengajō are available at convenience stores and post offices starting in November. These often include a lottery number. Blank cards are also available for those who wish to create their own.
Mailing: Ensure your cards are posted before the official cutoff, typically around December 25th, to guarantee January 1st delivery.
Language: Writing in Japanese is appreciated, but not required. A simple mix of English and Japanese is perfectly acceptable, especially if your relationship primarily involves English communication.
Reciprocity: If you receive a nengajō and did not send one, it is polite to send a return card soon after January 1st.
Mourning considerations: If someone experienced loss in the past year, they might send a mochuu hagaki (喪中はがき), a mourning notification, indicating they will not exchange nengajō. In such cases, sending a kanchou-mimai (寒中見舞い), a midwinter greeting, after January 7th is appropriate.
Borrowing a Timeless Tradition
The essence of nengajō transcends cultural boundaries. Setting aside time each year to consider the relationships that matter and sending a small acknowledgment is something anyone can adopt. It is more than a gesture; it is a moment of reflection and connection.
The ritual begins with the list. Who belongs on it? The act of deciding forces you to reckon with whom you have thought about but not contacted, and which relationships you wish to nurture. This practice aligns with the principles of Danshari, encouraging a mindful evaluation of what we choose to hold onto.
Starting Your New Year with Nengajō
On the morning of January 1st, take a moment to sit with your nengajō. As you go through each card, allow yourself to remember the person who sent it. Reflect on your history with them and what they mean to you.
If there is a handwritten note, take the time to read it carefully. Consider the names of two or three people you wish to connect with more intentionally in the coming year. These are not resolutions, just gentle intentions.
As you finish, begin your list for next year’s nengajō. Capture the moment while it is fresh in your mind, before the rhythm of daily life sweeps it away.
FAQ
What if I’ve never sent a nengajō before?
Begin simply. A printed card with the year’s zodiac animal and the standard greeting “Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu” is perfectly appropriate. If you want to add a personal touch, a short handwritten note in the margin is enough. The key is in the sending, not the elaborateness of the message.
Is it rude to stop sending nengajō to someone?
It can feel awkward to stop, but it is not considered offensive. Typically, if you do not receive a card from someone, they will often stop sending one in return. The relationship naturally tapers off. Some people choose to send a final card explaining that they are reducing their nengajō list, which is a thoughtful gesture but not required.
Can I send nengajō digitally?
Digital nengajō, known as denshi nengajō (電子年賀状), are common in business settings and for convenience. However, they do not carry the same weight as a physical card. For close personal relationships or older recipients, the effort of a traditional card is often more meaningful. Sending both is a thoughtful option.
When should I mail nengajō for January 1st delivery?
Japan Post typically sets the deadline around December 25th. Cards mailed by this date are held for delivery on January 1st. If you miss the deadline, sending a belated card is still appreciated. Just note that it is a late New Year’s greeting, which is perfectly acceptable.