Sales of New Year’s postcards with New Year’s gifts began on the 1st at post offices across the country. Due to the postage rate increase in October, regular New Year’s postcards will be sold for 85 yen each. In addition to postcards with a picture of a snake poking out of a treasure bag, a nod to the zodiac sign Snake, they will also sell postcards with donations for the Expo, where you can win a pair of tickets to the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

At the sales launch event held at the Osaka Central Post Office in Kita Ward, Osaka City, the official Expo character Myak Myaku and players from the women’s hardball baseball club team Hanshin Tigers Women appeared. Myak Myak was delighted to see the postcard with himself drawn on it and promoted the Expo.

Delivery will be accepted from December 15th. Japan Post is asking for mailing by the 25th in order to deliver it on New Year’s Day. According to Japan Post, the number of tickets issued as of the 1st was 1.07 billion, 25.7% less than last year. Demand is expected to decrease due to price increases. This is the 14th consecutive year of decline.