10 Types of Paper Perfect for 2016 New Year’s Cards

Next year is 2016, and according to the Chinese zodiac, it will be the Year of the Monkey!

Some people may be thinking, “Maybe I’ll just send greetings through LINE or Facebook this year.”
In today’s social media age, it’s easy to finish things off quickly with a simple “Happy New Year” message and a festive sticker.
Many people probably feel that way.

But after all, “the whole year’s plans begin on New Year’s Day.”
A heartfelt greeting card arriving in the mailbox carries a warmth that truly resonates with the recipient.
If a single postcard can help start the year’s communication smoothly, there may be no tool more delightful and cost-effective than that.

Paper comes in many different textures: smooth, rough, soft, moist, fluffy, and more.
Beyond texture, paper also has its own unique qualities such as weight, color tone, and shine.
Even when mixed in with ordinary pre-made New Year’s postcards, a carefully chosen paper will undoubtedly stand out.

Let’s explore how to create “New Year’s cards that people are happy to receive” from the perspective of paper selection.

The papers introduced in this article are officially known as fine papers, and many of them are not suitable for printing with home printers (inkjet or laser printers).
This is because papers designed to emphasize texture often have intentionally rough surface finishes, which can cause issues such as uneven surfaces, ink absorption, bleeding, or smudging.

When purchasing paper in stores, be sure to check the “print compatibility” information listed on the back of the product package or elsewhere.
Some products are specifically designed to work with printers, so don’t give up—try contacting the manufacturer for more details.

If you would still like to print on paper that is not printer-compatible, we recommend the following approaches:
Address side… Print the address on a label and attach it to the card.
Front/design side… Request printing services from a printing company that handles your preferred paper type.

New Year’s Postal Stamp for 2015

Source: https://www.post.japanpost.jp/kitte_hagaki/stamp/tokusyu/2014/h261030_02_t.html

Even with privately made postcards, you can still deliver the excitement of lottery-numbered New Year’s cards by using “New Year’s lottery postal stamps.”
Special Stamp “New Year’s Postal Stamp for 2015” – Japan Post

However, in the case of stamps, an additional 3-yen donation fee is included, making the total cost 55 yen per stamp.

Paper thickness is generally indicated using the unit “kg.”
“180kg” is a commonly used thickness for postcards and business cards, so choosing paper in the range of 160kg to 200kg is usually ideal.
By comparison, 135kg is closer to the thickness of heavier flyers, while 90kg resembles ordinary printer paper, making it too thin for postcards.

However, papers that contain more air or are made from lighter raw materials can feel thicker even if they have the same weight.
Therefore, strictly speaking, paper with the same kg value does not always have exactly the same thickness.

For 2015, the Year of the Sheep, we selected “Wool Paper” inspired by the zodiac animal.
This paper contains as much as 50% wool, giving it a soft yet substantial texture and feel.
We also applied luxurious full-surface embossing to express the knitted pattern of a sweater.

Our 2015 sheep-themed New Year’s card was actually featured in Takeo’s “This Paper, That Paper” series!
BOEL Inc. New Year’s Card – Wool Paper | “This Paper, That Paper” | Takeo Web Store

*Scroll to the entry dated 2015.2.9 to view it.
“This Paper, That Paper” – Examples of Paper Usage | Takeo Web Store with Around 9,000 Types of Paper

In June of this year, “Takeo Sample Book at Itoya” opened on the 7th floor of the new Ginza Itoya main store in Ginza.
“Takeo Sample Book at Itoya”
A New Sample Book Store Has Opened in Ginza — Takeo Sample Book at Itoya
Since it is operated by Takeo, a paper specialty trading company, you can trust the selection!

The square paper samples displayed in beautiful gradients throughout the store are so attractive that you may feel tempted to take them home.
If you are unsure which paper to choose, you can consult with a paper concierge while discussing the image or feeling you want to create.
Takeo handles more than 9,000 types of paper in total, and this shop carries a carefully selected lineup of over 1,000 varieties.

The main paper size available for purchase is the Shiroku-ban 4-cut size (545 × 394 mm).
To create standard Japanese postcard sizes (100 × 148 mm), you will need to cut the paper yourself at home or place a special order.
Postcard-size paper (105 × 150 mm) is also available.
*Although slightly larger than official Japanese postcards, they can still be mailed using a 52-yen stamp.

There are also some ready-made products that are easy to purchase.
The “Saigen Series” is available in official postcard size, while the “Paper Palette” series comes in postcard size.
Although the variety is limited, they are convenient options for quick purchase.

“In addition, I believe limited selections are also available at stores such as Tokyu Hands, Sekaido, and the stationery sections of Itoya.”

What did you think?
Isn’t it fun to let your imagination grow starting from something as simple as paper?
If this article has inspired you to start sending New Year’s cards again, even if the habit had faded away, we would be truly delighted!