明けましておめでとうございます！Happy New Year!

Did you send your nengajō (年賀状 - New Year's cards) already? If not, there's still a bit of time!

The tradition of nengajō (年賀状), or New Year's cards, in Japan dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868). Initially, these cards were used primarily among the nobility and samurai class as a way to send greetings and convey well wishes for the New Year.

The custom became more widespread during the Meiji era (1868-1912), when the postal system was established. Just like the Christmas cards in the west, nengajō are specially designed postcards sent to friends, family, and (especially in Japan) business associates to convey New Year’s greetings.

You probably know that in Japan, business is all about relationships, and nengajō play another significant role in strong relationship-building. Sending a nengajō sets your intention for the New Year, so especially if you're dealing with traditional companies it's a good habit to cultivate.

Just make sure to send your nengajo before January 7th, as it is considered bad luck to send them after this date! Timeliness also reflects your professionalism and thoughtfulness.

If you're on the late side, you could consider sending a digital nengajō instead of a traditional postal one. These digital cards can be customized and sent via email or messaging platforms, just make sure to maintain a personal touch!

Want to know more? At Japan Consulting Office, we specialize in equipping professionals to thrive in cross-cultural environments. Whether you’re looking for group training or one-on-one sessions, we’ve got you covered!

If you want to learn more about bridging language and cultural gaps in Japanese business, why not join one of our sessions! Here’s the link to upcoming sessions (make sure to select your timezone