Japan — Stamps & Postal Service

Postal Service Overview

Japan Post Holdings (日本郵政) is Japan’s national postal operator, a partially privatised company following the 2007 postal privatisation reform. Japan has one of the world’s greatest philatelic traditions — combining extraordinary technical precision in stamp printing with a prolific programme reflecting Japanese culture, seasons, traditional arts, and modern achievements. The Japan Philatelic Society (全日本切手展) and Japan Stamp Dealers Association maintain catalogues that are essential for Japanese specialists. Japan Post issues more stamps annually than almost any other country.

Notable Stamp Issues

Japan’s 1871 first stamps depicted a dragon — the mythological creature whose image appeared on coins and official seals — in three denominations. These engraved dragon stamps are among Asia’s most beautiful classic issues. The subsequent Cherry Blossom, Chrysanthemum, and Imperial Crest definitive series established Japanese philatelic traditions. The 1896 Military stamps are historically significant. The 1938 Fuji-Hakone series and the 1961 National Parks definitives are admired for their landscape photography. Woodblock print reproduction stamps based on Hiroshige and Hokusai are world-famous. Modern Japanese greetings stamps featuring anime, manga, and gaming characters are internationally popular.

Collecting Tips

JSCA (Japan Stamp Catalog) is the standard domestic reference; Scott is used internationally. Japanese classic stamps (1871–1900) require specialist study of printing varieties. Modern Japanese stamps are produced in enormous quantities but remain popular — particularly New Year and greetings stamps. Prefecture (regional) stamps issued since 1989 from each Japanese prefecture are a popular large collecting area. Japanese first-day covers in beautifully designed envelopes are widely collected.

Part of the Asia Postal Directory.