#Japan #Shinjuku #Delight Inc #New Year's Cards #Social Survey

The Real Reason Behind Stopping New Year's Cards: Insights from Real Experiences

In December 2025, Delight Inc. published an intriguing article exploring the motivations behind the declining tradition of sending New Year's cards in Japan. The article combines insights from interviews with individuals who stopped sending cards with data from a survey of 1,003 respondents, conducted in November 2024.

1. Economic Factors Aren’t the Only Reason

The increase in postage from 63 to 85 yen in October 2024 has indeed prompted many to reconsider their annual card ritual. However, when surveyed in 2024, only 19.4% cited increased postal costs as their reason for opting out; in contrast, a significant 43.2% mentioned the desire to reduce hassle, and 42.7% felt that digital communication through email and social media made traditional cards unnecessary. This hints at a more profound cultural shift beyond mere financial considerations.

2. Personal Stories: The Voices Behind the Change

Delight Inc. interviewed two women in their 30s who have experienced this transition firsthand. Through their narratives, we gain deeper insights into the emotional and psychological relief this change has brought. For example, Yamamoto, a mother of two, shared, "It used to cost me around 3,000 yen each year, including printing fees. The burden of organizing and sending cards felt overwhelming. It's a relief not to have to worry about it anymore!"

Her sentiment reflects a broader trend: the relief of not having to manage annual card sending has been a significant motivator for many.

In another interview, Kimura, also a mother of two, explained that her decision to stop was influenced by personal circumstances, particularly a recent bereavement. "I spent nearly a week every year on card creation. It allowed me to re-evaluate my relationships. Sometimes, it felt like a source of stress rather than joy."

3. An Unexpected Benefit: Reevaluating Relationships

Interestingly, both women commented that stopping the practice has positively impacted their relationships rather than harming them. They received gratitude from friends and family for initiating the conversation about discontinuing New Year's cards. Yamamoto remarked, "I was thanked for bringing it up, indicating that others felt relieved too."

They also encouraged communication through platforms like LINE and various social media channels as modern alternatives to maintain connections without the pressures of traditional card sending.

4. Tips for a Smooth Transition

The article includes practical advice for others contemplating this change. It suggests ways to communicate one's decision without causing offense, emphasizing the normalization of this change in social settings. The interviews highlighted how utilizing messaging apps can offer a sense of ease and genuine connection.

5. Beyond New Year's Cards: Towards Simplifying Cultural Practices

The discussion isn't limited to New Year’s cards; it serves as a starting point for examining other traditions that may benefit from simplification. The shift away from traditional card sending raises questions about how similar practices could be modernized to fit today's social dynamics.

In conclusion, the motivations behind stopping the tradition of sending New Year's cards extend beyond economic factors, reflecting a significant cultural shift that embraces digital communication. For a detailed exploration and additional perspectives, the full article is available on their website.
Read the full article here!