Japan Stamps
Japan, an East Asian island nation, established a modern postal system in the Meiji era, joining the Universal Postal Union in 1877 and maintaining independent postal administration throughout its history. Japanese stamps predominantly feature Kanji and Kana script, reflecting the nation's linguistic identity.
- Issued stamps
- 1871–2019
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Currency
- JPY
- Languages
- Japanese
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
About Japan stamps
The country's philatelic record spans imperial rule, periods of significant territorial expansion, and the post-war reconstruction, with distinct issues marking the transition between these major political epochs.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- NIPPON
- 日本郵便
How to identify Japan stamps
- Look for Kanji and Kana script, which are characteristic of Japanese stamps.
- Early issues often feature traditional Japanese motifs like dragons, cherry blossoms, or the imperial chrysanthemum.
- Many stamps include the year of issue in the Japanese imperial calendar (e.g., Meiji, Taisho, Showa, Heisei) alongside or instead of the Gregorian calendar.
Popular series
-
Cherry Blossom Issue
1872-1876
Japan's second definitive stamp series, featuring cherry blossoms, a national symbol. These stamps are highly sought after by collectors.
-
Koban Issue
1876-1892
A long-running definitive series depicting the traditional Japanese Koban coin, known for its intricate designs and various printings.
-
Showa Issue
1937-1950s
A significant definitive series issued during the Showa era, featuring various designs including imperial symbols, landscapes, and cultural motifs, reflecting the period of war and reconstruction.
-
National Parks Series
1930s-present
A popular thematic series showcasing Japan's beautiful national parks and natural landscapes, often featuring vibrant designs.
Value overview
Typical ranges as orientation, not prices for a particular stamp. Condition, variety and demand decide the value of your copy; for current asking prices, check listings or the app.
- Common stamps
- ¥50–¥5,000 ($0.50 - $50)
- Scarce stamps
- ¥50,000–¥5,000,000+ ($500 - $50,000+)
Early Japanese stamps, especially the Dragon and Cherry Blossom issues, can be very valuable, particularly in fine condition or with rare cancellations. Later definitive and commemorative issues are generally affordable, but complete sets or specific varieties can command higher prices. Stamps from the occupation periods or specific postal history items also hold significant value.
Catalogs. Japan stamps are listed in the major world catalogs: Scott, Michel and Stanley Gibbons. Catalog numbers and groupings differ between them; the Stamp Identifier app shows the numbers it can find for your stamp.
Questions about Japan stamps
Japan stamps are postage stamps issued by the postal administration of Japan since 1871. They reflect the nation's rich history, culture, and technological advancements, featuring a wide array of designs from traditional art and imperial symbols to modern landscapes and popular culture.
Yes, many Japan stamps can be valuable. Early issues, such as the Dragon and Cherry Blossom series, especially in good condition or with rare cancellations, are highly sought after by collectors. Stamps from specific historical periods, such as the Meiji era or occupation issues, can also fetch high prices. Later definitive and commemorative stamps are generally more common and affordable, but complete sets or specific varieties can still hold significant value.
You can identify Japan stamps by looking for the distinctive Kanji and Kana script used for denominations and country names. Early stamps often feature traditional Japanese imagery like dragons, cherry blossoms, or the imperial chrysanthemum. Many stamps also include the Japanese imperial calendar year. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Japan stamps are extensively listed in all major international stamp catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, Michel Katalog (especially the Japan/Korea/Mongolia volume), and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue (for early issues and occupation stamps, though Japan is not part of the Commonwealth). Specialized Japanese catalogs also exist for in-depth collecting.
Not sure where
it's from?
Photograph the stamp and Stamp Identifier names the issuer, the year and the series. One identification every 24 hours is free; prices and listings need Premium.