I’ve heard some collectors rant and rave against the more colorful issues of Japan that have popped up over the last 15 years or so. Supposedly being a stamp collector means an austere dignified album of only or mostly classics without a hint of more modern flavor lest we get too carried away with ourselves. Luckily, the majority of stamp lovers (Even those who tend towards classics) realize one of the most important rules of philately: Collect what you like because your album should appeal to you, not other people’s standards!
Now I’ll admit that I do have a very welcoming soft spot for classic Issues myself tho the majority of what fills my albums are 1950 and younger. I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything because classic or modern each country has something of interest. Japan tends to go above simply interest and really dive in to both traditional and pop culture with both eyes opens with their issues and the period from about 1990 to today (2019 for the moment). That’s not to say there hasn’t always been a nice mix but rather since 1990 there is an upsurge in traditional focus pushing it side by side with popular themes. One of the trends I particularly have come to love are the die cuts: interesting shaped stamps that make an issue stand out on ones album page. From cherry blossoms to oddly rounded characters there’s something to catch everyone’s eye even if it’s to complain about these crazy kids and their weirdly shaped not-square/rectangular stamps.
- Some of these images are taken from booklets or mini sheets so it might be hard to see the exact shape of the die cut or they might be cut off in some parts. Sorry! You might need to zoom in a bit.
From form fitting cuts to creative themes I tend to love the more uncommon die cuts. Usually the more attraction getting cuts are used for traditional aspects of Japanese culture and to convey a feeling of uniqueness that’s hard to put in to words. But don’t worry because if you’re more interested in contemporary subjects there’s plenty for you here as well.
Asanoha Pattern and Mt. FujI
Light Blue//Dark Blue
2016
Botanical Motif//Animal Motif
2017
Mt Fuji In Cherry Blossom Frame//Cherry Blossoms In Cherry Blossom Frame
2014
Heartwarming Animal Scenes//Rilakkuma Greetings
2013/2014/2015
The Stamp Corner 