As the year comes to an end in Japan, it's common to send New Year's cards to relatives, friends, and coworkers around the nation. However, a unique trend has emerged this year with a sudden surge in demand for 'farewell products' related to end-of-year cards. Amid a cultural shift in Japan, there is an unanticipated scarcity of these send-off items, leaving many scrambling to find alternative ways to say their yearly goodbye.

In Japan, sending New Year's cards is a deep-rooted tradition and is considered an important aspect of maintaining relationships. While there was a declining trend due to the increase in digital communication, it's a custom that most Japanese people still uphold. Here, the scarcity of farewell products indicates a rapid change, perhaps in how Japanese society values and experiences tradition.

In contrast to Japan, the tradition of sending physical New Year (or Christmas) cards in the US or EU is less pronounced, largely due to increasing digital means of communication. A scarcity of such products would not typically occur or cause much social concern in these regions. There might be some local interest in artisan-made cards during the holiday season, but it would not mirror the social significance this holds in Japan.