- The Prefectural stamp (aka ふるさと Fu-ru-sa-to in Japaneses) is a local stamp which is issued in each prefecture. You will be able to buy them only in the area where they were issued. But they can used on mailed as nationwide.
- The picture in Prefectural stamps are about their original prefecture such as Flower, Fruit, Historical heritage site, Event, Festival event, Tourist place and etc.
- Most of Prefectural stamps are medium size. (Not like Commemorative stamps that have Small, Medium and Large size.)
- Since 1989, The Prefectural stamps have been issued.
- How to distinguish Prefectural and Commemorative stamps. Please take a look below figure. The second character could be an easiest one to distinguish. (Left figure is Prefectural stamp and Right figure is Commemorative stamp)
- Update Recently, since 2008, the release of Howntown-Scenes in My Heart Series, Scenery of the Trip and 60th Anniversary of Local Government Law etc. make the distinguish with second japanese character on stamp confused. Even it is shown as Commemorative stamp but it is a Prefectural stamp as shown in many stamp catalog book such as Sakura 2009 or even from Japan Post web site (http://www.post.japanpost.jp/kitte_hagaki/stamp/furusato/2008/h201001_f.html). As you have seen from this URL is classed in "Furusato" which is prefectural.
- I hope this guide could be helpful and make you more fun while collecting Japanese stamps.
- If this guide is helpful for you please vote for it also.
Copyright 2008 Asia Kitte
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