The New Year's season kicked off with excitement this year as Japan Post announced the winning numbers for its 2025 New Year's lottery, which has become a valued tradition for many Japanese households.
On January 20, 2025, the results were revealed during a lively event held in Tokyo, capturing the anticipation of countless participants who sent New Year's greeting cards, hoping to win enticing prizes. This annual lottery not only promotes Japanese customs but also ignites joy and anticipation for the upcoming year.
The first prize, designated by the six-digit number 176357, offers winners the chance to claim up to 300,000 yen or choose from various electronic gift vouchers, including the popular EJOICA(イージョイカ) select gift worth 310,000 yen. This flexible prize structure allows recipients to select their preferred gift, enhancing the lottery's appeal significantly.
Winners of the second prize were designated the number 2832, awarding them with exclusive regional delicacies from across Japan, lovingly packed for shipping. The excitement continues with the third prize, marked by the last two digits – 86, 65, and 32 – which grants the winners stamp sheets containing collectible commemorative stamps, valued and cherished by many stamp lovers.
Also, special prize numbers of 71632, 56540, and 20161 grant ticket holders the opportunity to win free entry to the highly anticipated 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo, reflecting Japan's commitment to showcasing innovation and cultural heritage.
According to Japan Post, "The first prize will be cash or electronic gift vouchers to promote the sending of New Year’s greetings." This statement encapsulates the spirit of the lottery, which aims not just at rewarding winners but also at fostering social bonds through the exchange of New Year's cards – a longstanding tradition across the nation.
To claim their prizes, winners must visit designated postal offices between January 21 and July 22 of the same year. They are required to present valid identification, such as their driver's license or health insurance card, to verify their identity and eligibility. For companies or groups, proof of affiliation with the organization submitting the greeting card is necessary for prize collection.
The annual lottery also highlights Japan's unique approach to combining traditional cultural practices with modern incentives, ensuring generational engagement with the custom of sending New Year's greetings. It's exciting to think about how this practice has evolved over the years, yet remains deeply ingrained within the fabric of Japanese society.
This year, the New Year’s lottery has once again showcased not just the anticipation of thrilling prizes but also the enduring tradition of sending warm wishes to friends and family, reinforcing community and camaraderie.
With well-defined processes and incredible prizes, it’s easy to see why anticipation builds around this event each year, making it more than just about money; it’s about connection, nostalgia, and celebrating the new year together.
For all those who participated, whether you hold the winning number or not, the joy lies not only within the possible prize but also within the heartfelt sentiments expressed through the simple act of sending New Year’s greetings. Let the celebrations continue as participants look forward to another promising year.