Postage Stamps and Postal History of Japan

Author

Reads 6.2K

Colorful assortment of used Japanese postage stamps featuring various designs and themes.
Credit: pexels.com, Colorful assortment of used Japanese postage stamps featuring various designs and themes.

Japan's postal history dates back to the 19th century, with the first postage stamps introduced in 1871.

The first stamps featured the image of the Japanese Emperor Meiji, who played a significant role in modernizing the country's postal system.

The Japanese postal system was initially modeled after the British system, reflecting the country's strong influence from Western culture at the time.

In the early 20th century, Japan began to produce its own unique and colorful stamps, often featuring traditional Japanese motifs and designs.

Japanese Postage Stamps

Japanese postage stamps have a rich history, with the first stamps issued in 1871.

The first stamps were based on the designs of the British postal system, but over time, unique Japanese designs emerged.

You can see examples of these early stamps on the internet.

One of the earliest stamps is the "Hashimoto Gahô" stamp, which was issued in 1872.

It features a portrait of Hashimoto Gahô, a Japanese painter.

Credit: youtube.com, Japan Postage Stamps Part 1 日本の切手 #philately

Japanese stamps often featured beautiful landscapes and traditional designs, such as the "Landscape Postmarks of Tomo" stamp, which was issued in 1928.

This stamp showcases a stunning Japanese landscape.

The "Japanese cruiser Izumo" stamp is a rare example of a stamp featuring a ship.

It was issued in an unknown year, but it's a great example of a unique stamp design.

Here's a list of some of the stamps featured in the "Stamps of Japan" category:

  • Hashimoto Gahô (1872)
  • Landscape Postmarks of Tomo (1928)
  • Japanese cruiser Izumo (unknown year)
  • Year of France in Japan Stamp (unknown year)

Dating and Identification

Dating and Identification of Japanese Postage Stamps can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it requires some knowledge and attention to detail.

In Japan, postage stamps have been used since 1871, and over the years, many different designs and issues have been produced.

One of the most important things to consider when dating a Japanese postage stamp is the period of issue, which can be determined by the design, color, and perforation of the stamp.

Credit: youtube.com, History and postage stamps of Japan

The Japanese postal service has used various types of perforations over the years, including rouletted, perforated, and even imperforate stamps.

A rouletted stamp has a series of small, rounded holes along the edges, while a perforated stamp has a series of small holes in a grid pattern.

In addition to the perforation, the design of the stamp is also an important factor in determining its age.

For example, the early stamps of Japan often featured images of cherry blossoms, while later stamps might feature more modern designs.

The color of the stamp is also a clue to its age, as certain colors were more common during specific time periods.

For instance, the early stamps of Japan were often printed in black and blue inks, while later stamps might feature more vibrant colors.

Elmer Kassulke

Lead Assigning Editor

Here is a 100-word author bio for Elmer Kassulke: Elmer Kassulke is an accomplished Assigning Editor with a keen interest in storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for research, Elmer has covered a wide range of topics, from the Port of Bristol to the works of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Their expertise spans various categories, including geography, history, culture, and transportation, making them a versatile and reliable voice in the world of journalism.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.