Japanese Occupation of China Stamps
Japanese Occupation of China refers to the period during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945) when large parts of Eastern China were under military administration by the Empire of Japan. Stamps issued during this time were primarily overprints or provisional issues on existing Chinese postal stationery, reflecting the temporary nature of Japanese control across various occupied zones.
- Issued stamps
- 1937–1945
- Region
- Asia, East Asia
- Currency
- CNY
- Languages
- Japanese, Chinese
- Issuer type
- Occupation postal administration
- Part of
- China
History and background
The linguistic environment on these issues is characterized by Japanese text alongside Chinese characters, often denoting puppet regimes or military postal services. These issues represent a complex transitional phase in Chinese postal history, preceding the full restoration of sovereignty after Japan's defeat in 1945.
Further reading: Wikipedia
How to identify them
- Look for Japanese characters (Kanji) overprinted on Chinese stamps, often indicating new values or postal administrations.
- Identify the original Chinese stamp design underneath the overprint.
- Note the specific overprint text, as it often indicates the region or puppet government (e.g., 'North China', 'Central China', 'Mengkiang').
- Examine the paper and printing method, as some issues were locally produced under wartime conditions.
Popular series
-
North China Overprints
1941-1945
Chinese stamps overprinted with Japanese characters and new values for use in North China.
-
Central China Overprints
1941-1945
Chinese stamps overprinted for use in the Central China occupied territories, often with 'Japanese Post' or similar inscriptions.
-
Mengkiang Issues
1941-1945
Stamps issued specifically for the Mengkiang (Inner Mongolia) puppet state, sometimes overprinted on Chinese or Japanese issues.
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
- $1–$20
- Scarce stamps
- $100–$5,000+
Value varies greatly depending on the specific occupied zone, overprint type, condition, and rarity. Provisional issues and specific error varieties can command high prices. Many common overprints are relatively inexpensive.
Catalogs. Japanese Occupation of China 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 Japanese Occupation of China stamps
Japanese Occupation of China stamps are postal issues used in parts of Eastern China under Japanese military administration during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945). They primarily consist of Chinese stamps overprinted with Japanese characters, new values, or inscriptions denoting the occupying power or puppet regimes.
The value of Japanese Occupation of China stamps varies widely. Common overprints can be found for a few dollars, while rare provisional issues, specific regional overprints, or stamps in pristine condition can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Factors like rarity, condition, and the specific occupied zone significantly influence their market value.
You can identify Japanese Occupation of China stamps by looking for Japanese characters overprinted on existing Chinese stamp designs. These overprints often indicate the specific occupied region (e.g., North China, Central China) or a new postal value. A photo in the Stamp Identifier app gives a first identification; check the catalog number in a specialised catalog before relying on it.
Japanese Occupation of China stamps are extensively listed in major philatelic catalogs such as Scott (under 'Japanese Occupation Issues' or specific regions like 'Manchukuo'), Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed listings, historical context, and estimated values for these complex issues.
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