Anime Characters Highlight Japan 2011 International Stamp Exhibition

On February 8, 2011, the Japan International Stamp Exhibition opens at the Pacific Yokohama.

This event aims to promote overseas Japanese postage stamps as evidence of the improvement and development of philately in Japan. It also wants to increase international friendship through cultural stamps exchange.

Highlight of this year’s International Stamp Exhibition is the promotion of Japanese anime. A part of the country’s cultural history, it gained popularity among different people regardless of their age and nationality.

Featured on the stamps are famous Japanese Anime characters - Astro Boy, Doraemon, Pokemon, Hello Kitty and wildlife cartoon characters.

The Japanese Occupation of the Philippines Stamps

One of most challenging stamps to collect for those who are into serious Philippine era collecting is the Japanese Occupation of the Philippines. Although some are still sold in Ebay stores, there are some that are very hard to find nowadays.

The invasion of the Philippines by the Japanese Imperial Forces in World War II is among the darkest chapters of Philippine history. Many American and Filipinos died defending the country from the Japanese.

As I open the pages of my Japanese Occupation stamps, I am reminded of their sacrifices and how they fought the invaders to free our land.

Cebu Stamp Club's "Philippine Stamps" Volume #1, Number #2 e-Magazine features the complete images and info of the Japanese Occupation stamps.