In Japan, there is a New Year’s tradition of sending “年賀状” or Nengajo, (New Year’s cards). These are typically postcards, decorated with the animal of the year, decided by the twelve year Chinese Zodiac cycle. I have in the past, illustrated Nengajos and you can see some of them in my portfolio (click here). Nengajos have strict rules though, that can add to the stress of the end of the year. They must be sent before January 1st in order to be delivered ON January 1st. You are not supposed to send them to someone who has had a death in the family during the previous year (which is embarrassing if you don’t happen to know the status of the recipients entire family status).
At Meatleg Productions, we are starting a new tradition. This is not a Nengajo. This is a Nenga-joke.
The rules are as follows:
1) every year is the year of the gorilla
2) you can send the Nenga-joke any time after the first of the year, even during February so there is no stress.
3) A Nenga-joke is intended for the recipient, so the status of the rest of their family (especially if someone died or not) is irrelevant.
4) Save money with a Nenga-Joke; a digital version will suffice.
Happy New Year