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
Today
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Taco Spaghetti appears in Japan, and our taco fan rushes to try it[Taste test]
Krispy Kreme Japan releases new fruit doughnuts…that taste better cold
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Japan’s Mos Burger goes super-premium for summer with eel burgers that require pre-orders
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
The adorable, delicious joy of the Totoro cream puff gift box[Taste test]
Here’s what Shibuya’s famous scramble intersection looked like after the Japan vs. Sweden match
Beautiful new dangling Totoro socks let the Ghibli mascot sway with every step[Photos]
Weekly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Starbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it- Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America- Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Nearly half of Pokémon hot spring’s statues have been damaged less than two months after opening
Monthly
- Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
- Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
- Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style- Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Yearly
- Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]- Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Japan’s Mos Burger goes super-premium for summer with eel burgers that require pre-orders
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
The adorable, delicious joy of the Totoro cream puff gift box[Taste test]
Here’s what Shibuya’s famous scramble intersection looked like after the Japan vs. Sweden match
Beautiful new dangling Totoro socks let the Ghibli mascot sway with every step[Photos]
International fugitive Carlos Ghosn says he’d be best person to head Nissan now
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Tokyo cops arrest foreigner for suspected visa violation, don’t know what new residence cards look like
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Starbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]
Japanese theme park adding Immersive Death Game with a “bomb collar” you have to wear
Nintendo’s Animal Crossing crosses over to Baskin-Robbins Japan with special ice cream and merch
Totoro Soot Sprites are here to help keep your organized as adorable paper clips[Photos]
Japan opens shrine for plush toys in Kyoto, offering memorial rites and a resting place for remains
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