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“2024 Japanese New Year’s cards” means Japan Post’s Reiwa 6 nengajo: lottery postcards sent in the preceding holiday season to deliver greetings for the New Year. Japan Post announced the issue on August 31, 2023, and published its lottery results on January 17, 2024.
What the 2024 nengajo issue was
Nengajo are Japanese New Year greeting cards. Japan Post’s 2024 issue was the Reiwa 6 edition, created for people sending greetings to welcome 2024—not a set of cards released for the 2024 year-end season. The issue announcement is dated August 31, 2023. Japan Post’s 2024 issue announcement
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Japan Post describes New Year postcards as numbered lottery cards. Its general formats include plain, inkjet, donation-added and picture postcards, as well as a separate four-surface printing format suited to larger print runs. Those are general format descriptions; they should not be taken as proof that every type was sold in the 2024 issue. For surviving examples, check the specific design and issue details rather than assuming the category from the card’s appearance. Japan Post’s postcard information
2024 lottery results and expired prizes
Japan Post announced the drawing results on January 17, 2024. The winning numbers and prizes were:
#1 Best Overall
- Size (W x H x D): 3.9 x 5.8 x 0.04 inches (100
- Specifications: 3 sheets per handle
- Specifications: Textured foil treatment
- 2026 New Year's card featuring the noon (horse). The textured foil processing gives you exquisite nuances and creates a gorgeous and luxurious atmosphere. Enjoy the texture of textured foil from different angles!
| Prize | Winning number | Prize or odds |
|---|---|---|
| First | 394372 | Prize details and odds are stated in Japan Post’s results release. |
| Second | 1879 | Prize details and odds are stated in Japan Post’s results release. |
| Third | 716900 | A sheet containing one 63-yen stamp and one 84-yen stamp; 3 in 100 odds. |
Japan Post stated the odds as 1 in 1,000,000 for first prize, 1 in 10,000 for second, and 3 in 100 for third. It reported issuing 1,440,001,100 New Year postcards; the combined number of postcards and donation-added New Year lottery stamps used to calculate prizes was 1,448,001,100. These are figures from the January 2024 results release. Japan Post’s 2024 lottery results
The prize-claim period ran from January 18 through July 17, 2024. It has ended, so a card’s winning number is now of historical interest rather than a route to claiming the listed prize.
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- Product Size (W x D x H): Approximately 3.9 x 0.2 x 5.8 inches (10 x Main Materials/Materials: Paper, Other
- Pack of 3 Part of the design is decorated with gold foil for a glamorous finish. Please apply the stamp when posting. For details, please check on the Japan Post Corporation website
- (C) 2025 Sanrio Co., Ltd
How nengajo fit into Japanese postal history
The Japan Center for Asian Historical Records (JACAR) dates Japan’s first postal cards to 1873 and the start of the New Year lottery postcard system to 1949. Its 2023 account says about 1.4 billion special lottery postcards were announced for the 2024 New Year. Japan Post’s later results release gives the official issued postcard total as 1,440,001,100; the approximate archive figure and the precise official count are not identical measures of precision.
JACAR also reports that around 4.4 billion postcards were printed at the 2003 peak. Its account cites a 1951 Tokyo survey of 600 people aged 20–60, in which 91% favored New Year greeting cards. That result describes that survey and population at that time; it is not evidence of present-day opinion across Japan. JACAR’s account of New Year postcards
Rank #3
- Rich in Quantity: you will receive 16 pieces of Chinese New Year cards in 4 styles, 4 pieces for each style, together with 16 envelopes; The quantity can satisfy your use and replacement requirements on Chinese Spring Festival
- Suitable Size: each Chinese Lunar New Year greeting card measure 4 x 8 inches/ 11 x 20.5 cm, light in weight and easy to store, and you can take it in your bag when you visit your friends without taking much space
- Fine Workmanship: our 2027 new year greeting card is made of quality paper material, strong and sturdy enough, not easy to tear or break, printed in bright colors and clear printings, hard to fade, so you can use them with confidence
- Exquisite Appearance: featured with clear auspicious words and delicate cutout structure, including beautiful patterns, such as peony, bamboo, magpie, carp and other elements, our Chinese good luck cards are attractive and eye catching, creating strong festive atmosphere at the same time
- Ideal for Chinese New Year: red symbolizes luck and good fortune in Chinese culture, and the message on the front of cards means happiness, fortune and auspiciousness, so these Chinese Spring Festival greeting card can serve as an ideal present for your family members, friends, relatives, colleagues, neighbors and other people to express your blessings
Physical cards, formats, and what collectors should check
A 2024 nengajo can be an original numbered lottery postcard or a privately printed greeting card sent with a separate stamp. Japan Post’s general format descriptions distinguish plain, inkjet, donation-added and picture postcards, but a general listing does not establish which versions were part of the 2024 issue. The four-surface postcard is described as a larger-run printing format, not as a confirmed 2024-specific issue item. Japan Post’s postcard information
- Identify the item: Look for evidence that it is an original Japan Post lottery postcard rather than a private card with separate postage.
- Check the particular format: Plain, inkjet, picture and donation-added are useful categories, but confirm the 2024 issue particulars for an individual design.
- Assess condition and completeness: For a collectible, note writing, postmarks, damage and whether any associated material is present. Availability and condition of current marketplace examples are not established here.
- Separate postal value from historic interest: The 2024 drawing’s redemption window has passed. Do not assume an old card’s original postage or lottery feature reflects today’s postage rules.
Digital option and overseas mailing
Smart Nenga was a seasonal service
Japan Post announced Smart Nenga as a digital greeting option delivered through LINE for the 2024 season. The announcement listed support from December 1, 2023, through January 31, 2024; those dates are past, so it should be understood as a historical service rather than a current option. Japan Post’s Smart Nenga announcement
Rank #4
- Stylish Japanese-style bifold cards. Set of 3
- 1 x card, 2 x inner paper (plain color with message), 1 x envelope
- Tokyo
- Standard Size Envelope Color: White
- Surface Text: Season's Greetings / Interface: Season's Greetings and Best Wishes for the New Year
Overseas postage: distinguish today’s instruction from 2024 rates
Japan Post currently says a domestic New Year postcard can be mailed overseas by adding 15 yen in postage. That is the current FAQ instruction, not a verified rate for the 2024 mailing season. Anyone mailing now should consult Japan Post’s current guidance rather than applying historical postage assumptions. Japan Post FAQ: “Can I mail New Year postcards overseas?”
Quick Recap
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