Writing New Year's Cards
Dateline: 12/09/00
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When dating the card, the word "gantan" is used instead of the date that card was written. "Gantan" means the morning of January 1st, therefore it is not necessary to write "ichi-gatsu gantan". As for the year, the Japanese era name is often used. The year 2001 will be "heisei juu-san nen". Although nengajo are often written vertically, it is acceptable to write them horizontally.
When sending New Year's cards from overseas, the word "nenga" should be written in red at the front (side with stamp and address). This way post office holds it and deliver it on January 1st. Unlike Christmas cards, nengajo shouldn't arrive before New Year's Day.
Here are examples of nengajo. Write your name (and address) at the left side of the date. You can add your own message or draw the picture of the present year's zodiacal animal (eto). The animal of the year 2001 will be the snake (hebi).
Click here to learn more about writing nengajo.
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