Stamping Across Japan

Posted on 03/02/2021 Last updated on 04/16/2021

Previously used photo: ” Hanko ” by Angie from Sawara, Chiba-ken, Japan, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license (cc-by-2.0). No changes or alterations were made. Wikimedia Commons Link

Much of Japanese culture is world-famous. Japanese food, music, film, animation and other forms can be found in almost every country across the world. But there are still many different parts of the culture that remain less-known. And today I will introduce you to one of these: Stamps!

The Japanese have a long and loving history with stamps and collecting. For example, there is the famous hanko, or inkan. This is the Japanese variation of a family seal, and it is still very common in the current Japanese business world. It takes the form of a small stamp and is important for various official documents.

Also, the Japanese have a long tradition of collecting Goshuin. This is stamp or seal that is unique to Shinto shrines. Shinto is the original religion of Japan and obviously has a long history dating back to ancient times. The Goshuin are collected from each shrine and stored in a small book.

Today, the Japanese fascination with stamps continues and can be seem in various other forms. One great example is in the station stamps.. Each station has its own stamp that can be collected inside the station itself.

An example of station stamps. These are the redesigns that JR released in 2020. Source: https://allabout-japan.com/en/article/9352/

Many people make an activity out of trying to collect all the stamps on various train lines, or in various areas. It makes for a fun day riding trains and visiting different stations and areas around stations.

There are even various seasonal and thematic stamps that often occur. For example, there was recently a Star Wars Stamp Rally organized by JR and the Tokyo Metro. During this event, there were special themed stamps available for only a limited time. Popular homegrown franchises such as Pokémon and Gundam also have station stamp rallies on a regular basis. Oftentimes there is a prize for collecting a certain number (or all) of the various stamps.

However, the stamp rallies don’t just stop there! There are even rallies based on
traditional Japanese castles and onsen (traditional hot springs), as well as things such as trains themselves! Many books and brochures based around these can be found in various book stores. Some of these books even offer discounts for entry into the locations. A good rule of thumb for stamps in Japan: If it exists, then there is a stamp for it!

These stamp rallies can be found literally all over Japan, from very rural areas to in the middle of bustling Tokyo. They make for a great excursion and an excuse to get out and about. And if you’re planning on staying in Japan long-term, getting a personal stamp for business or any document-signing is an absolute must.

Why not try getting during your next visit – or even ‘competing’ in one of the many rallies!

Photo Credits:

Top Image: Irasutoya