Japanese Postcard Paper Size

Understanding Japanese Postcard Paper Size A Practical Guide for Printing and DesignWhen it comes to printing, mailing, or designing postcards in Japan, understanding the Japanese postcard paper size is crucial. Whether you’re a designer, tourist, or stationery enthusiast, using the correct dimensions ensures your cards meet postal regulations and look professional. In Japan, postcards are widely used for seasonal greetings, New Year cards (nengajo), and personal messages, making it important to know the standard format.

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What Is the Standard Japanese Postcard Paper Size?

The official Japanese postcard paper size is 100 mm x 148 mm, which is equivalent to approximately 3.94 inches by 5.83 inches. This format is known as the hagaki size, and it is used universally across Japan for standard postcards. The hagaki size is slightly smaller than the international A6 size, but the difference is significant when printing or mailing.

This size is not only accepted by Japan Post but also optimized for standard postcard templates, printers, and envelopes.

Comparison With Other Paper Sizes

To better understand the Japanese postcard dimensions, let’s compare it with some common paper sizes

Paper Type	Size (mm)	Size (inches)
Japanese Postcard (Hagaki)	100 x 148	3.94 x 5.83
A6 Size	105 x 148	4.13 x 5.83
4’x6′ Postcard	101.6 x 152.4	4 x 6

As you can see, hagaki is close to A6 but slightly narrower. This can affect the fit inside certain envelopes or frames, so it’s best to measure precisely before printing.

Why Use the Hagaki Size?

There are several reasons why hagaki remains the go-to size for Japanese postcards

Postal Compatibility Japan Post officially supports this size for domestic postcard mailing without additional charges.
Printer Settings Many Japanese home and office printers have a hagaki setting that aligns perfectly with this format.
Tradition Japanese culture embraces postcard exchanges for events like New Year’s, so the size has become a cultural standard.

For tourists or businesses trying to align with Japanese customs, adhering to hagaki size is the best way to ensure acceptability and respect for tradition.

Designing for Hagaki Paper Size

When designing your own postcard, it’s important to consider both the dimensions and the printing bleed. A standard recommendation is to design with a 2-3 mm bleed area beyond the edges to ensure full edge-to-edge printing without white margins.

Here are a few quick design tips

Safe Area Keep all important text and images within 5 mm from the edge.
Resolution Use at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) for a crisp, professional result.
Color Mode Use CMYK for printing, as it aligns with printer color profiles.

By setting up your design according to hagaki dimensions, you avoid formatting errors and achieve a polished final product.

Paper Type and Thickness

Japanese postcards typically use thicker cardstock, around 0.23 to 0.28 mm in thickness, or roughly 180 to 250 gsm (grams per square meter). This ensures the card is sturdy enough to handle mailing without bending or damage.

Japanese Postcard Usage in Culture

Japan has a deep cultural connection to postcard writing. The most famous example is the Nengajo New Year postcards that people send to friends, family, and colleagues. These cards are often printed in bulk and delivered precisely on January 1st by Japan Post.

Other occasions for postcard usage include

Seasonal greetings (e.g., summer and winter hellos)
Thank-you notes
Announcements (weddings, births, etc.)
Travel souvenirs

Understanding the appropriate size helps keep these traditions alive and meaningful.

Printing at Home vs. Professional Printing

If you want to print your postcards at home, make sure your printer supports hagaki-sized paper. Most Japanese printers (especially brands like Epson and Canon) include hagaki settings. Load the paper correctly, usually short side first, and align your design carefully.

For high-quality or bulk printing, professional print shops in Japan often offer hagaki printing services. These providers are familiar with the paper size, format, and postal requirements, making them a reliable choice for business or event use.

Postage and Mailing Guidelines

When mailing a postcard within Japan, it must meet the following requirements

Size 100 x 148 mm
Weight Under 6 grams
Material Paper-based, not plastic or metallic

As long as your postcard meets these guidelines, you can send it using a standard 63-yen stamp. For international mail, check with Japan Post for updated postage rates, but the size itself remains appropriate for most global mailing standards.

Where to Buy Hagaki Paper

You can find hagaki-sized paper at

Stationery stores in Japan
Online marketplaces
Office supply stores
Photo printing shops

Look for packaging that specifically says ‘ãã¬ããµã¤ãº’ (hagaki saizu) or postcard size. Some photo papers also come pre-cut in this size for instant printing.

Final Thoughts Embrace the Simplicity of Hagaki

Whether you’re creating personal messages, professional promotional cards, or seasonal greetings, understanding and using the Japanese postcard paper size gives your work a polished, culturally appropriate touch. Its compact yet functional dimensions make it easy to handle, print, and mail.

The hagaki size reflects a blend of tradition and practicality, making it an enduring format in Japanese communication. If you’re venturing into design or print projects in Japan, start with the correct size and the rest will follow smoothly.

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By understanding the essentials of Japanese postcard size and usage, you’ll be well-prepared to create meaningful, beautiful postcards that meet both cultural and practical expectations.