The year 2024 is coming to a close, and as fans turn their gaze to the new year, various companies are unleashing their offerings for 2025 calendars, providing unique choices for consumers. From customizable versions featuring beloved sports teams to whimsical interpretations of regional dialects, these calendars cater to diverse interests.
Hōchi Shimbunsha has announced enhancements to its "Giants Custom Calendar 2025," which celebrates the success of the Yomiuri Giants, who claimed the Central League championship after four years. From December 24, customers can select from added off-shot photographs of up to 28 players, including manager Shinnosuke Abe and standout pitchers Tomoyuki Sugano and Shōsei Togo. The calendar offers fans the chance to create their own original versions with up to 12 customizable images from its catalog, available for online purchase until January 29, 2025.
For ¥3,500, available also is another option for posters, priced at ¥3,000, giving fans various formats to choose from. The traditional design features popular players, including catchers Seiji Kobayashi and Takuya Oda, and ten outstanding infielder selections. Interested buyers are assured of product availability as it is produced as orders come in, eliminating the worry of sold out items. Interested parties should hurry before the time window closes.
Meanwhile, Snow Man, the popular idol group known for its dynamic performances, is also entering the fray of the calendar market. Scheduled for release on March 27, 2025, the Snow Man official calendar showcases various personalities of the nine-member ensemble across its 160 pages. This photogenic yearbook will capture the members’ diverse expressions sure to entertain fans throughout its 1-year span, extending from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
The Snow Man calendar, retailing for ¥3,850, is enriched by exclusive bonuses including solo shots of each member and a special A3 size poster calendar. With fans able to start reserving now through bookstores and online retailers, this calendar promises to be high on the must-have list for fans eager to appreciate their idols year-round.
Fans of regional art can look forward to the creation by Tamaki Fujimoto, 86, of the "Owarai Sanuki Dialect Calendar 2025." Based on Kagawa's dialect, Fujimoto's artistic approach is encapsulated by his delightful character, "Professor Ume," who presents various dialects throughout the year. Each month contains colorful illustrations paired with linguistic insights meant to charm residents and outsiders alike.
Fujimoto expresses joy, noting, "Every year, older people and those who have lived outside the prefecture express their joy; I hope to elicit smiles with this free-spirited character." His life work seeks not only to visually present the unique charm of the Sanuki dialect but also to fortify cultural memories among contemporary consumers. These calendars, retailing for ¥1,200, can be found at local bookstores like Miyawaki Shoten.
Beyond traditional formats, calendar enthusiasts can also keep their eyes peeled for bespoke items like the Vilreu Traditional Chinese Calendar 2025 from Blancpain. This uniquely crafted timepiece features both the Gregorian calendar and the lunar calendar, accentuated by exclusive design elements and limited to just 50 pieces worldwide, reflecting luxury and fine craftsmanship.
The perfect blend of function and design, whether via charming prints or delights derived from sporting memories, makes the 2025 calendar offerings more appealing than ever.
Lastly, the 76th National Calendar Exhibition recently awarded Kimoto Shōbidō with both the Silver Award and the Chairman's Award for its vintage-style wall calendar reflecting on the historic Bunkyo area, including significant landmarks. Visitors will have the opportunity to appreciate these illustrations and the rich history they represent from January 27 to January 31 at the Tokyo Sankei building.
This approaching new year brings with it not just the excitement of fresh calendars but also the potential to capture moments and reminisce fond experiences through personalized prints and culturally rich designs. So, as the calendars roll onto the shelves, the time to connect with these creative products is now! Consumers should explore the unique offerings available, suited to both sentiments and preferences alike!
