Nengajo Workshops for Teenagers and Young People - Photos

As the year draws to an end, many people across Japan write and exchange nengajo, New Year's greeting cards. As part of our series of workshops for teenagers and young people, The Japan Society hosted a special workshop for 12-19 year olds in which they could learn about some of the traditions associated with New Year in Japan, including nengajo, before designing their own cards.

Led by artist Aya Burbanks, participants learned about some of the typical motifs often used in nengajo and the meanings behind them, before practicing some of the key techniques of boku-ga (ink wash painting). After some practice, participants then designed their own nengajo to mark the start of 2026, the year of the horse! We were amazed by all of their fantastic designs and keen attention to detail! 

The Japan Society would like to thank Aya Burbanks for her artistic expertise and our generous Education supporters for helping to make the workshops possible.

This workshop is part of a series of workshops and events for teenagers and young people, organised by The Japan Society. Want to be the first to know about our upcoming events? Sign up to our Education mailing list.

Want to learn more about New Year's celebrations in Japan and make your own nengajo to send to someone this year? Check out our New Year's Celebrations resource page to find out more!