Imperial Japan (2nd Showa Era) "First Anniversary of the Greater East Asia War in the Pacific"

IMPERIAL JAPAN (2ND SHOWA ERA) on 8 December 1942 issued a set of two postage stamps to mark the "First Anniversary of the Greater East Asia War in the Pacific" This collectible set was issued by Japan one year after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, which triggered the entry of the United States into World War II. The blue 5+2 Japanese sen stamp depicts the Pearl Harbor attack, while the reddish brown 2+1 Japanese sen stamp depicts Japanese tanks in Bataan in the Philippines.

 

 

 

 

 

Size of each stamp: 30 x 26 mm

Emission: Semi-Postal
Perforation: 12
Printing: Photogravure
Print run: 2,830,000

Taiwan Post 70th Anniversary Victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan & Retrocession of Taiwan

TAIWAN POST on 7 July 2015 issued a First Day Folder celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the ROC´s Victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan and the Retrocession of Taiwan Stamps. Formosa(Taiwan), Rep of China.

Stamps featured:

1. NT$3.5: "A Legion of a Hundred Thousand Soldiers." To fortify the campaign halfway into the war, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, leader of Nationalist Government, called on young intellectuals to join the army with this memorable battle cry: "one drop of blood for one inch of our homeland, a legion of a hundred thousand young men as a hundred thousand soldiers." A total of twelve hundred thousand youth answered the clarion call and joined the army.

2. NT$5: This photo was taken on August 15, 1945. Chiang Kai-shek(CKS), leader of the Nationalist Government, accepts cheers of the people following his victory speech at the Central Broadcasting Station in Chongqing, where he announced Japan´s surrender.

3. NT$3.5: A grinning woman in the farm village carries a bumper crop. The backdrop of the photo is Shimen Reservoir, completed in June, 1964. The reservoir is known for its versatility, including farmland irrigation, power generation, water supply, flood prevention, and sightseeing purposes.

4. NT$5: The 18th Anniversary of the Taiwan Retrocession Day was celebrated on October 25, 1963, at the plaza by Taipei Zhongshan Hall.

Imperial Japan (2nd Showa Era) "Great East Asia War" Propaganada Postcards & Postal Cancellations

IMPERIAL JAPAN (2ND SHOWA ERA) on 8 December 1943 issued a set of propaganda postcards with folder and information sheet on three of their early WWII conquests. These postcards carry a special cancellation postmark on the reverse side

(Postcard No. 1)

Title: PEARL HARBOR ATTACK
Artist: Yoshioka Kenji
Special cancellation:  GREAT EAST ASIA WAR, 1943 DEC. 8, OSAKA

The caption on the information card reads: "The picture depicts the moment when Japanese naval aviation unit carried out the second bombing raid on Ford Island Airfield in Hawaii, the largest U.S. naval base in the Pacific, in the early morning hours of 8 December 1941, which is remembered by the people of Japan." For Americans, the date was 7 December 1941 -- "A day which will live in infamy," to quote President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

(Postcard No. 2)
Title: HONG KONG Wong Nai Chung Gap Anti-aircraft gun position capture
Artist: Koiso Ryohei
Special postmark cancellation: GREAT EAST ASIA WAR, 1943 DEC.8, OSAKA

The Battle of Wong Nai Chung Gap (Hong Kong) propaganda postcard in 1942 depicts the Infantry of the Imperial Japanese Army seizing an anti-aircraft artillery position. The Gap was situated between Mount Nicholson and Jardine’s Lookout behind Wong Nai Chung (Happy Valley). It was a strategic passage between the north and south of the island, where five roads met. The capture of Wong Nai Chung Gap effectively split the British colony’s defense in two, hastening its surrender on Christmas Day 1941.

(Postcard No. 3)
Title: SINGAPORE BRITISH FORCE SURRENDER
Artist: Miyamoto Saburo
Special postmark cancellation: GREAT EAST ASIA WAR, 1943 DEC. 8, OSAKA

Caption on this post card reads: "The fall of Singapore - The East Asian fortress under the intrusion of the British for more than a century - fell on Showa 15th year, the 2nd month, on the 17th day at 6:40 p.m. In a single file, bearing white flags, the British officers of the Malayan Command approached our mighty army to surrender. From the right: Commanding Officer Malaya, Lieutenant General Percival; Chief of the General Staff, Brigadier General Torrance; Staff officer, Colonel Sugita; Interpreter, Ling-zhuan; Chief Administrator of the British High Command, Malaya, Major General Newbiggen, who is holding the Union Jack; and Captain Wylde who serves as interpreter."

 

Reverse side of postcards

Envelope for postcards

Close-up of cancellation seal and stationery postage

 

Yusei Jigyocho Taisho Coats of Arms / Chrysanthemum 2 sen Definitive - 1913

YUSEI JIGYOCHO (Japan Postal Agency) issued on  31 October 1913 a series of definitive stamps with the Taisho  Coats of Arms / Chrysanthemum. Initially these stamps had no watermark; later issues did to prevent counterfeiting.  Printing method was simply Typography on white paper. The green stamp shown here had a value of 2 Japanese sen. Size was 21 x 26 mm.

This new series came about with the passing of Emperor Meiji. The new era of Taisho began, thus stamp designs were completely changed. For the first time an open contest with prizes was held to select a new stamp design. An entry by Tazawa Shogen (an employee of the Printing Bureau) was chosen and adopted as the design for the new standard stamps. These stamps are known as the 'Tazawa stamps' after the design's creator.

 

The stamp on this postcard with geishas was posted in the early years of Teisho's reign. It was colourised black and white photo print.

Yusei Jigyocho Manchukuo Imperial Visit Commemorative on Woodblock Postcard Print

YUSEI JIGYOCHO (Japan Postal Agency) in 1935 issued a commemorative stamp to honour the Manchukuo imperial visit to Japan. It proclaimed Puyi's visit to Japan, the Emperor of Manchukuo (the building depicted is the Akasaka Imperial Palace, now the State Guest House), and an on-piece stamp with the commemorative seal of Tokyo was placed  on the stamp.

The postcard itself shows a woman of Ohara with basket of flowers on the Sanjo Bridge. This woodblock print originally was printed circa 1905, whereas the postcard itself was probably available in the early 1930s.

Straits Settlement Postcard of Javanese Woman with King Edward VII Stamp - 1904

 

STRAITS SETTLEMENT postcard bearing a light purple, 3 cent stamp of King Edward VII, was issued 1903-1904. The postmark cancellation originated from Singapore. It was dated 11.45AM, 2 August 1906. It arrived in Columbus, Ohio on 6 September 1906.

The postcard by G.R. Lambert & Company, Singapore, depicted a "Javanese Woman". On further research, the postcard photo apparently was taken originally in the 1880s, Dutch East Indies. The caption in other prints state "A Malay woman in dancing costume". Suffice it to say, this postcard was in circulation for at least a few decades.

The young woman appears to have posed for this portrait in a photo studio -- quite possibly G.R. Lambert & Co.  She is wearing  a traditional batik sarong, tiara, necklace, bracelets and large belt buckle. This fashion would have been very common for the time not only in Java, but in the Straits Settlements of Malaya.

Cover Letter Old Stamps from France

Another assortment of old stamps on a cover letter from France. Received 22 December 2023.

Cover Letter from UK

Nice assortment of stamps on a cover letter from Norfolk, UK. Received 19 December 2023.

Yusei Jigyocho Enthronement of Emperor Hirohito - Postcards and Stamps, 1928

YUSEI JIGYOCHO (Japan Postal Agency) issued on 10 November 1928 four First Day Cover stamps marking the Enthronement of Emperor Hirohito. Shown here is the 1 1/2 sen deep green "Phoenix" stamp with commemorative seal; a similar red phoenix with a value of 6 sen was issued too, as were two stamps of the Enthronement Hall. As it was taboo to illustrate him, the image of a golden phoenix was selected, perhaps symbolic of a leader/nation rising from the ashes  to live a long life.

There were five official postcards released of the Emperor Hirohito (Showa) Enthronement Ceremony. Shown here are two of those postcards: 1) the ceremony at the Shishinden as viewed from the Shomei Gate; and 2) The Gosechi Dance (Gosechi mai no zu), from the series In Commemoration of the Enthronement (Tairei kinen)by Yûki Somei (1875–1957). These woodblock artworks were originally printed by Japan Woodblock Printing Art Company, for the Ministry of Communications (Teishinshô). Again, these were issued during the Shôwa era, 1928 (Shôwa 3).

Nippon Post "Kami" (Hair) by Kokei Kobayashi

NIPPON POST on  20 April 1969, as part of their Philatelic Week Series, issued a First Day Cover stamps entitled "Kami" (Hair). The illustration was created by Kokei Kobayashi ( Kobayashi Kokei) (1883- 1957) who was a Japanese Nihonga painter.

I find it interesting a stamp called "Hair" was printed with a semi-nude woman as the model. It all seems to allude to the 60s era of long hair and the Broadway play called "Hair". Although the artwork was painted many years ago, I find the timing uncanny. I wonder.

Yusei Jigyocho Emperor Taisho Enthronement Ceremony and Stamps and Postcard - 1915

YUSEI JIGYOCHO (Japan Postal Agency) issued on 10 November 1915 several postcards to commemorate the enthronement ceremony of  Emperor Taisho, Yoshihito (1879-1926).. This particular postcard was designed by artist Kikkawa Reika who printed it using the woodblock method. The postcard depicts the classical "Dance of Peace" with four actors portraying samurai. 

The two postcards shown here, have different stamp values. One of the postcards (with four stamps) may be from the WWI Bandō POW camp in Tokushima, according to the notation scribbled on the card.

As for the stamps, there were four types of Taisho enthronement commemorative motifs: 1 sen, 5 sen, 3 sen, 4 sen, and 10 sen, and the date of issue was 10 November 1915. The designs and number of copies issued are as follows:
- 1 sen 5 rin: Daijosai Crown  - 22.7 million pieces
- 3 sen: Takamikura  - 23.65 million pieces
- 4 sen: Shishinden south garden ceremony hall in red - 2.17 million pieces
- 10 sen: Shishinden south garden ceremony hall in blue - 2.23 million pieces 

Posten Norge Birth Centenary of Thor Heyerdahl

POSTEN NORGE on 28 April 2014 issued a First Day Cover of four stamps to mark the centenary of the explorer Thor Heyerdahl's birth. The stamps featured the following motifs: Heyerdahl, Kon-Tiki, Ra II and Easter Island statue.

Thor Heyerdahl was a Norwegian adventurer and ethnographer with a background in biology with specialisation in zoology, botany and geography. He is known for his adventurous expeditions.

Heyerdahl became world famous in 1947 when he crossed the Pacific Ocean with the Kon-Tiki raft. The raft was made of balsa wood. For over a century, scientists had debated whether balsa rafts were seaworthy. And whether natives of South America could have populated the Pacific Islands. Heyerdahl traveled out with Kon-Tiki to find out more about this. The raft was a copy of the rafts used by the Indians along the coast of Peru and Ecuador at the time when the first Europeans arrived.

 

Later, Heyerdahl made other voyages to demonstrate the possibility of contact between widely separated ancient peoples, notably the Ra II expedition of 1970, when he sailed from the west coast of Africa to Barbados in a papyrus reed boat. He was appointed a government scholar in 1984.

He died on 18 April 2002 in Colla Micheri, Italy, while visiting close family members. The Norwegian government gave him a state funeral in Oslo Cathedral on 26 April 2002.

 

Source: Posten Norge

Belgium Post 50th Anniversary Belgian Radio & Television (RTB)

BELGIUM POST on 24 November 1973 issued a First Day Cover stamp celebrating the 50th anniversary of Belgian Radio & Television (RTB) - 1923-1973. Postmark cancellation originated from Brussels.

Thailand Post 1st Asian International Trade Fair 1966

THAILAND POST on 1 September 1966 issued two First Day Cover stamps dedicated to the 1st Asian International Trade Fair in Bangkok. Shown here is one of the stamps that featured a silhouette of Bangkok. The cachet depicts a typical small business one might find not just in Thailand but anywhere in Asia. Postmark cancellation originated from Bangkok.

Thailand Post International Rice Year 1966

THAILAND POST on 25 November 1966 issued two First Day Cover stamps dedicated to the International Rice Year 1966. Shown here is one of the stamps that featured a lovely Rice Goddess protecting a field of growing grain and holding a stalk, flag leaves and gracefully drooping panicle of ripe rice. The cachet depicts field workers doing the hard work by hand while another rides a water buffalo in rice paddy transplanting seedlings  all except the sky is hand-painted. Postmark cancellation originated from Bangkok. Designer was Post and Telegraph Department Printer was The Government Printing Bureau, Ministry of Finance, Japan.

 

Islamic Republic of Iran 20th Anniversary of the 15th of Khordād 1963 Uprising

ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN on 5th June 1983 issued a First Day Cover stamp  commemorating the 20th anniversary of the 15th of Khordād 1963 Uprising. The stamp shows inset images of Qasr Prison in Tehran where  Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was imprisoned, Khomeini and the protestors who supported his views. The stamp carried a value of 10 riyal. The postmark cancellation originated in Tehran. Interesting, the English and French text state the Gregorian date for this FDC release, whereas the Farsi (Arabic script) states 15th Khordād 1963.

 

The demonstrations took place on 5 and 6 June 1963, (or the 15 Khordād according to the Iranian calendar).  The protest occurred after the arrest of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini who had earlier denounced  Iranian Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and Israel in a manifesto signed by him and eight other clerics. Although the police and military ultimately quelled the unrest, the events established the importance and power of (Shia) religious opposition to the Shah, and it elevated Khomeini as a major political and religious leader. Fifteen years later, Khomeini would lead the Iranian Revolution and overthrow the Shah, thus ending the rule of the Pahlavi dynasty and establishing the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The roots of this uprising began when the Shah of Iran announced "The Revolution of the Shah and the People" or the White Revolution. It was referred to as white due to it being a bloodless revolution. These plans were to make social and economic changes in Iran.  On 26 January 1963, the Shah held a national referendum for 19 rules of White Revolution. The rules of this revolution were land reforms, nationalisation of the forests and pastureland, privatisation of the government owned enterprises, profit sharing, extending the right to vote to women, formation of the literacy corps, formation of the health corps, formation of the reconstruction and development corps, formation of the houses of equity, nationalization of all water resources, urban and rural modernisation and reconstruction, didactic reforms, workers' right to own shares in the industrial complexes, price stabilisation, free and compulsory education, free food for needy mothers, introduction of social security and national insurance, stable and reasonable cost of renting or buying of residential properties, and introduction of measures to fight against corruption. The Shah announced this revolution as a way towards 'Modernisation'. Also, other sources believe that the Shah could give legitimacy to Pahlavi dynasty with his White Revolution. The revolution caused a deep rift between Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and Iranian Shia religious scholars, Ulama. They claimed these changes were a serious threat to Islam.

Source: Wikipedia

Pos Indonesia 3rd Annual Indonesian Wayang Week - 1978

POS INDONESIA issued on 22 July 1978 a First Day Cover of Wayang series of stamps for the III Indonesian Wayang Week (22 - 29 July 1978). A special Bandung cancellation was affixed to three stamps depicting Wayang Kulit, Wayang Golek and Wayang Orang.

 

Wayang kulit is a traditional form of puppet-shadow play originally found in the cultures of Java and Bali in Indonesia. In a wayang kulit performance, the puppet figures are rear-projected on a taut linen screen with a coconut-oil (or electric) light. The dalang (shadow artist) manipulates carved leather figures between the lamp and the screen to bring the shadows to life. The narratives of wayang kulit often have to do with the major theme of good vs. evil.

Wayang golek is one of the traditional Sundanese puppet arts from West Java, Indonesia. In contrast to the wayang art on other areas of Java island that use leather in the production of wayang, wayang golek is a wayang art made of wood. Wayang Golek is very popular in West Java, especially in the Pasundan land area.

Wayang wong, also known as wayang orang (literally "human wayang"), is a type of classical Javanese and Balinese dance theatrical performance with themes taken from episodes of the Ramayāna or Mahabharāta. Performances are stylised, reflecting Javanese court culture.

Source: Wikipedia

Pos Indonesia "Danau Tondano"

POS INDONESIA on 2 February 2002 issued a First Day Cover of an Indonesia folktale entitled "Danau Tondano". Postmark cancellation originated from Jakarta.

The fifth series of "Cerita Rakyat" in 2002 which is shown is just one of the many stories and legends circulating in various regions in Indonesia. The folklore featured this time is Kembaro Island from South Sumatra, the story of Nyi Roro Kidul from the Special Region of Yogyakarta , the story of Aji Tatin from East Kalimantan , and the origins of Lake Tondano from North Sulawesi.

Lake Tondano, North Sulawesi

In ancient times in the Tondano area, North Sulawesi, there stood a towering mountain. On the slopes of the mountain there was an area divided into two sections, north and south. The southern region was controlled by a Tonaas (ruler) who had an only son named Maharimbow. Meanwhile, the ruler of the northern region also had an only daughter named Marimbow. 

The northern ruler was often filled with worry when thinking about the heir to his throne, because his child was a woman. To overcome this concern, he came up with an idea that felt strange. He asked his son to behave and dress as a man and promised not to marry as long as he lived. North Tonaas' request was fulfilled by his son who was given a vow in a ceremony in front of the Opo Ompung (elders). If this oath is violated, the consequences will be disaster in that area. Meanwhile, South Tonaas apparently had almost the same problem. Maharimbow was asked to swear not to marry while his father was still alive. 

One day, the two heirs to the respective thrones who did not know each other met in the border area. Maharimbow felt that the person he saw, although dressed as a knight, exuded the tenderness of a woman. He became curious to find out more about this mysterious person. 

At their next meeting which started with an argument, Maharimbow managed to reveal that the mysterious person was a woman. He is Marimbow. Then they each fell in love with one another. They agreed to become husband and wife and were determined to unite the two regions. They did not realise they had broken their oath.

The next day, suddenly there was an earthquake and the volcano erupted which destroyed the area with piles of rocks and hot lava. Then the area turned into a lake which is now known as Lake Tondano .

Pos Indonesia "Aji Tatin"

POS INDONESIA on 2 February 2002 issued a First Day Cover of an Indonesia folktale entitled "Aji Tatin". Postmark cancellation originated from Jakarta.

The fifth series of "Cerita Rakyat" in 2002 which is shown is just one of the many stories and legends circulating in various regions in Indonesia. The folklore featured this time is Kembaro Island from South Sumatra, the story of Nyi Roro Kidul from the Special Region of Yogyakarta , the story of Aji Tatin from East Kalimantan , and the origins of Lake Tondano from North Sulawesi.

Aji Tatin, East Kalimantan

Tanah Pasir, East Kalimantan was once a sultanate ruled by Sultan Aji Muhammad. He had a daughter named Aji Tatin who was married to a Kutai nobleman. 

Aji Tatin was then trusted by his father to gain power in the beautiful and fertile bay area. For the survival of his government, he collected tribute from the people in the form of lumber. One day, when Aji Tatin's trusted people were collecting tribute which was loaded into the boat, suddenly a powerful typhoon came which caused powerful waves.

The crew tried to control the ship, but instead of moving closer to shore, the boat capsised and hit a coral island. The boat, which was laden with planks, finally sank along with its entire crew. 

The coral island that caused the disaster is now called Tukung Island. The event of the overturning of the boat loaded with planks later became the name of the bay area which is now known as the city of Balikpapan.

 

Pos Malaysia "Pulau Kembaro"

POS INDONESIA on 2 February 2002 issued a First Day Cover of an Indonesia folktale entitled "Pulau Kembaro". Postmark cancellation originated from Jakarta.

The fifth series of "Cerita Rakyat" in 2002 which is shown is just one of the many stories and legends circulating in various regions in Indonesia. The folklore featured this time is Kembaro Island from South Sumatra, the story of Nyi Roro Kidul from the Special Region of Yogyakarta , the story of Aji Tatin from East Kalimantan , and the origins of Lake Tondano from North Sulawesi.

Kembaro Island, South Sumatra

The original intention of Than Bun An, the son of a nobleman from China, in coming to Palembang was to trade. Understandably, since ancient times the city had developed as a trading centre which was well known abroad. But fate decided otherwise when he saw a beautiful girl named Fatimah. 

She was the daughter of a Palembang nobleman, and he fell in love with her.  Fatimah's heart was attracted to this young man from a different nation, and her family also approved of their relationship. 

Their love story continued when they married, but their wedding was without the presence of Than Bun An's parents who were far away in another country. 

As a sign of blessing, her parents sent a jar full of gold and jewels which was presented to Fatimah's family. When the ship loaded with urns arrived at the Musi river, Than Bun An and Fatimah immediately met it. 

The ship contained so many jars that Than Bun An wondered how his parents could give him that much gold. How shocked and embarrassed he was when he opened the lid of the jar and discovered the contents were only preserved vegetables. He then smashed the jars until the contents spilled out, then he jumped into the river. 

Fatimah tried to approach her husband to prevent this action, but it was too late because her foot hit the urn which was still intact. The jar broke and it turned out to be full of gold. 

She ignored the gold, and instead jumped into the river to save her husband. However, both of them drowned, unable to save themselves. Meanwhile the ship suddenly swerved and  sank. After the ship sank, land appeared at that place which became known as Kembaro Island. 

The people of Palembang now call it Kemarau Island, which is located in the middle of the Musi river.

Pos Indonesia "Ny Roro Kidul"

POS INDONESIA on 2 February 2002 issued a First Day Cover of an Indonesia folktale entitled "Ny Roro Kidul". Postmark cancellation originated from Jakarta.

The fifth series of "Cerita Rakyat" in 2002 which is shown is just one of the many stories and legends circulating in various regions in Indonesia. The folklore featured this time is Kembaro Island from South Sumatra, the story of Nyi Roro Kidul from the Special Region of Yogyakarta , the story of Aji Tatin from East Kalimantan , and the origins of Lake Tondano from North Sulawesi.

Nyi Roro Kidul, Special Region of Yogyakarta

Dewi Kadita, daughter of King Pajajaran, Prabu Munding Wangi, was as beautiful in appearance as she was in temperament. So she was nicknamed Dewi Srengenge, which means beautiful sun. 

Despite this, Munding Wangi always moped because he wasn't a crown prince. Munding Wangi eventually married Dewi Mutiara, who then gave birth to a baby boy. The presence of the boy made the King feel happy because he now had an heir to the royal throne. 

But the King's happiness did not last long, because Dewi Mutiara had a bad temper. He had ambitions to control the kingdom, even openly asking the King to expel Kadita from the palace, which made the King angry because of this. 

The King's anger did not last long, because Dewi Mutiara was good at melting the King's heart. But in Dewi Mutiara's heart a burning grudge was embedded. A deceptive plan was prepared to harm and expel Princess Kadita from the palace. 

With the help of a sorcerer, Dewi Mutiara succeeded in using witchcraft, so that Kadita became an ugly princess full of scabies. Raja Munding Wangi was very sad to see his daughter's suffering, but could not do anything and was forced to follow the Patih's advice to throw Kadita away so that she would not become a disgrace. 

Kadita left the palace alone, until she finally arrived at a South Sea beach. She then seemed to hear a magical whisper asking her to throw herself into the sea. When she touched the water, her body recovered, and her face radiated the beauty of the sun again. 

She then was transformed into a spirit and became the ruler of the southern seas and was nicknamed Nyi Roro Kidul or Kanjeng Ratu Kidul.