Japanese World War 2 Occupation Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About Japanese World War II Occupations Stamps
This category encompasses stamps issued by various territories across East Asia and the Pacific that fell under Japanese military administration during the Second World War. These issues often represent provisional postal systems established by the Imperial Japanese Army, superseding previous colonial or sovereign postal authorities. Stamps from these occupations typically feature Japanese script alongside local languages or denominations, reflecting the imposition of Japanese administrative control. The postal history within these regions is characterized by rapid changes in issuing authority, often involving overprints on existing colonial stamps or the introduction of entirely new definitive series reflecting the wartime political landscape.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- East Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania
- Issuing period:
- 1941 – 1945
- Languages:
- Japanese, Burmese, Malay, Tagalog, Dutch, Chinese, English
- Currency:
- issuer:japanese-world-war-2-occupations.overview.currencyValue
- Parent issuer:
- Japan
Stamp Catalogs
Japanese World War II Occupations stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular Japanese World War II Occupations Stamp Series
Burma Occupation Overprints (1942-1945)
Stamps of British Burma overprinted with Japanese characters or new designs, often featuring pagodas or local motifs.
Malaya Occupation Issues (1942-1945)
Stamps of various Malayan states overprinted with Japanese text, sometimes with new designs or denominations.
Philippines Occupation Issues (1942-1945)
Stamps of the United States and Commonwealth of the Philippines overprinted with Japanese text, often featuring local scenes or symbols.
Japanese World War II Occupations Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: Value varies significantly based on the specific occupation territory, rarity of the overprint or issue, condition, and whether it's on cover. Errors, varieties, and stamps from less common occupation areas can command higher prices. Many common issues are inexpensive.
How to Identify Japanese World War II Occupations Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying Japanese World War II Occupations stamps:
- 1 Look for Japanese characters (Kanji or Katakana) overprinted on existing colonial stamps.
- 2 Identify new definitive issues featuring Japanese designs or local motifs with Japanese text.
- 3 Check for specific occupation names or dates on the stamps, often in conjunction with the original issuing entity's name.
Related Issuers & Topics
Explore stamps from related regions and historical entities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Japanese World War 2 Occupation stamps?
Japanese World War 2 Occupation stamps are postage stamps issued by the Imperial Japanese military administration in various territories across East Asia and the Pacific during World War II (1941-1945). These stamps often involved overprints on existing colonial stamps or entirely new issues, reflecting the temporary Japanese control.
Are Japanese World War 2 Occupation stamps valuable?
The value of Japanese World War 2 Occupation stamps varies widely. Many common issues are relatively inexpensive, ranging from $1 to $20. However, rare overprints, specific varieties, errors, or stamps from less common occupation territories, especially those on cover, can be quite valuable, fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
How can I identify Japanese World War 2 Occupation stamps?
To identify Japanese World War 2 Occupation stamps, look for Japanese characters (Kanji or Katakana) overprinted on stamps originally issued by British, Dutch, American, or other colonial powers. New definitive issues will feature Japanese designs or local motifs with Japanese text. Using a stamp identifier app can help you quickly match your stamps to catalog entries and learn more about their origin.
Which catalogs list Japanese World War 2 Occupation stamps?
Japanese World War 2 Occupation stamps are extensively listed in major philatelic catalogs. You can find them in the Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue (typically within the country sections of the occupied territories), the Michel Ostasien-Katalog, and the Stanley Gibbons Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps Catalogue (for former British territories) and other specialized catalogs.
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