2026 nengajo drawing comes with a never-before-seen photo of the legendary anime director.
new year cards
Despite the fact that we’re entering the Year of the Ox, might as well start off with some fish.
Every year, dedicated post office workers hop on their scooters to deliver a nation’s New Year’s cards, and it’s so much fun to watch!
Nengajo, or New Year’s greeting cards, are a ubiquitous part of the end-of-year season in Japan. Much like Christmas cards in the west, nengajo are sent to family and friends to update them on what you’ve been up to that year. In fact, there are so many nengajo sent at the end of the year that post offices in Japan have to employ students as temporary staff to make sure they meet the delivery deadline of January 1. While there are plenty of preprinted cards available from stationery shops, many people opt to make their own, personalised cards. A nice touch, but results may vary depending on the artistic skills (and sense of humour) of the postcard sender! To show you what we mean, we’ve put together a little list of the best of this year’s nengajo. Some of them are genuinely impressive, while others would make us cringe if the neighbours saw ’em!
MOST POPULAR
Now
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Solaniwa Onsen: Kansai’s largest hot spring theme park is also one of its most beautiful
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
Pikachu Outbreak 2018 photos! Pikachus parade through Yokohama, bust out dance moves at night
Studio Ghibli adds new Kiki’s Delivery Service notebook and ceramic cake case to stores in Japan
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Weekly
- Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】- Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Japanese movie theater chain’s popcorn earns highest Grand Prix quality certification
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Monthly
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away- Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
- Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo- Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
Pikachu Outbreak 2018 photos! Pikachus parade through Yokohama, bust out dance moves at night
Studio Ghibli adds new Kiki’s Delivery Service notebook and ceramic cake case to stores in Japan
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Japan’s original oyakodon restaurant reopens after three years in a newly renovated building
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Jimmy Choo and Sailor Moon collaboration brings us gorgeous high-fashion Sailor Scout shoes
AI learns how to colorize photos, makes old Japan pictures look like they were taken today【Pics】
Nothing to see here — just a giant cat selling puddings in Japan
Convenience store onigiri rice balls become even more expensive…but are they worth it?
McDonald’s Japan partners with anime English teacher, but did they commit a cultural error?[Video]
How to write “sakura” in Japanese (and why it’s written that way)
-
