TAKAMATSU, Japan — The winning numbers for the 2025 Japanese New Year's postal lottery were revealed during an exciting drawing event hosted by Japan Post on January 20, 2025. This annual tradition not only celebrates the start of the new year but also bolsters engagement with greeting card culture, as lottery tickets are often attached to New Year's greeting cards.
Held at a venue in Tokyo, the announcement showcased notable appearances from popular celebrities, including actors Taishi Nakagawa and Mio Honda, along with comedian Junior Chihara. The event embraced traditional elegance, with the stars sporting beautiful kimonos, capturing the essence of Japanese New Year's celebrations.
Among the entertainment and festivities, the excitement was palpable as various winning numbers were announced. Participants awaited with anticipation for their chances to win substantial prizes this year. The top prize was announced as 176357, which entitles winners to either 300,000 yen in cash or electronic money worth 310,000 yen. Alternatively, they could receive a collection of special stamps issued in 2024 alongside 200,000 yen.
The event also introduced unique prizes connected to the upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo, which will serve as Japan's largest international event. Three special winners, identified by the numbers 20161, 71632, and 56540, earned pairs of tickets to this highly anticipated expo, providing them with exclusive access to its exciting exhibitions.
For the second prize, the number 2832 was drawn, with winners able to select from various local packages available across Japan. Meanwhile, the third prize winning numbers 86, 32, and 65 guarantee each recipient various collectible postage stamp sheets.
During the event, Nakagawa expressed his thoughts on the significance of New Year’s cards. He stated, "Today’s lottery event allows us to feel the warmth of human connections through physical cards. I feel relieved to have completed my role as the New Year’s card ambassador." His sentiments reflect how New Year’s greetings remain important for personal connections even as digital communication grows more prominent.
With approximately 1.07 billion greeting cards issued for 2025, the Japanese tradition of sending New Year’s greetings continues to thrive. The redemption period for the lottery prizes runs from January 21 to July 22, offering winners ample opportunity to claim their rewards.
Japanese New Year's celebrations traditionally encourage family and friends to connect, and the postal lottery fosters this spirit of community and joy. It highlights both the excitement of winning and the rich cultural practices surrounding the new year.
Overall, the 2025 New Year's lottery demonstrated the merging of tradition and contemporary culture, highlighting how Japan honors its past as it looks toward the future.