Japanese New Year Cards (Nengajo)

On January 1 in Japan, postmen deliver stacks of specially postmarked, beautifully designed postcards with handwritten greetings for the new year. They are called 'nengajo' in Japanese and families spend lots of creative energy to make or purchase postcards that reflect their style. Japan Post even sells blank nengajo with pre-franked lottery stamps.

Although we can't guarantee January first delivery or offer a lottery, let's swap New Years greeting postcards.

Some Design Notes for Nengajo

• 2019 is Year of the Boar; many nengajo use the year animal as a design element
• Some families create photo collages or write mini newsletters with annual highlights (much like the Christmas letter, but shorter!)
• Red, silver, and gold are traditional colors for nengajo, but anything goes.
• Seasonal winter elements are pine, bamboo and plum blossoms
• Manga characters and mascots are popular, too.
• Google "2019 nengajo" for lots of ideas and images
• Any New Year themed postcard is great; it doesn't have to be Japanese. :-)

Swap Details - You will have 3 partners. - Nengajo may be handmade or purchased. - You may use an envelope or send naked. - International, of course! - Newbies welcome. Rating of 4.7 and up; flakers frowned upon.

Please comment if you have any questions. Happy New Year!