Japan Post has co-worked with animation series since 2003.

Heidi, Girl of the Alps, stamp series is 19^th of this kind.

There are 25 types of stamps like Evangelion, Pokemon, Gundam and One Piece.

Heidi TV animation series started in 1974 on Fuji TV.  The price is 800JPY (10X80JPY stamp).

If you want to get these, you can use our shopping service!

The post stamp history in Japan goes back to early 1800s.

Japan issued its first postage stamps on April 20, 1871 (March 1 in the old calendar). These stamps, known as "Dragon Stamps," featured dragons facing each other. Four different stamps were issued, valued at 48 mon, 100 mon, 200 mon, and 500 mon. At that time, Japan was transitioning its currency system from mon to yen (JPY) and sen, so the denominations were still in mon.

The 48 mon stamp equated to half of the 100 mon stamp due to the "96 accounting" practice of the time, where 96 mon was considered equivalent to 100 mon. Measuring 19.5mm square, these stamps are the smallest ever issued in Japan.

Japan lacked the technology to replicate printing plates at that time, so each of the 40 stamps on a sheet was hand-carved, resulting in slight variations in the dragons' claws and other details.

Every April 20, the date when the first stamps were issued, is now celebrated as Postal Service Day in Japan. The week that includes Postal Service Day is designated as "Stamp Collecting Week," featuring the release of special stamps and various related events each year.

One of the most famous and rare stamps in Japanese history is the "Imperial Wedding Commemorative Stamp" for the marriage of Emperor Showa (Hirohito). These stamps, featuring Tsukuba Mountain (1.5 sen and 3 sen) and the Togu Palace (8 sen and 20 sen) in Kasumigaseki, were never officially issued due to the postponement of the wedding following the Great Kanto Earthquake in September 1923.

The printed stamps and their printing plates were destroyed in a subsequent fire. However, some stamps that had already been sent to the South Seas Islands survived. These were later presented to the Imperial Family during the rescheduled wedding in January of the following year. Only about 1,000 sets of these stamps remain, earning them the nickname "phantom stamps" due to their rarity and the circumstances surrounding their non-issuance.

There are many post stamp collectors around the world whom we support with our shopping service.

By exploring the history of Japanese postage stamps, we can appreciate the fascinating stories and rare issues that make stamp collecting such an intriguing hobby.

Here is a recent news about Heidi animation in Japan. (Updated June, 2024)

Celebrating 50 Years of "Heidi, Girl of the Alps": An Exhibition Honoring a Timeless Classic

The beloved anime "Heidi, Girl of the Alps," directed by the late Isao Takahata and with scene settings and layouts by Hayao Miyazaki, celebrates its 50th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, an exhibition will be held at Tobu Department Store in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, from March 22 to April 9, 2024.

The exhibition will feature around 500 items, including rare production materials, original drawings, and merchandise from the anime. Visitors can explore the enchanting world of Heidi through videos and panels that showcase the beauty of the Swiss Alps, the setting of Johanna Spyri's original novel.

In the "Heidi, Girl of the Alps" corner, early sketches of Heidi with her iconic braids by Yoichi Kotabe, along with scripts and production notes by Takahata and layouts by Miyazaki, will be displayed. These materials offer a glimpse into the creative process behind this classic anime.

The exhibition aims to immerse visitors in the rich culture and natural beauty of the Alps, with special sections dedicated to Spyri and her novel. Attendees can also enjoy limited-edition anniversary merchandise and photo spots where they can experience scenes from Heidi's world.

In addition to the main exhibition, there will be collaborations with the food floor and restaurant area, offering Heidi-themed gourmet items. A special Swiss Fair will be held throughout the store to celebrate the 160th anniversary of Japan-Switzerland diplomatic relations, inviting families to rediscover the charm of Switzerland.

A unique highlight of the event will be the live demonstrations of cel animation painting. Experienced cel color designers will showcase the intricate process of creating animation cels on April 6 at various times throughout the day.

For those who can't attend the exhibition, "Heidi, Girl of the Alps" episodes will be available on the karaoke service JOYSOUND's "Miruhaco" from March 10 to May 9. Fans can enjoy the first and final episodes of the series, experiencing the nostalgia and timeless appeal of Heidi in a new way.

This exhibition is a tribute to a series that continues to captivate audiences across generations, celebrating the adventures and heartwarming moments of Heidi and her friends amidst the stunning Swiss Alps. Don't miss the chance to relive the magic of this timeless classic.

Do you want to TV shooting, music video, photo shooting in Japan with Heidi theme? Want to interview the related people to this animation series?

We worked with major TV broadcasters around the world and online media to carry out their task in Japan. We make planning, arrangement with the venues, also hire local professional crew (videographer, photographer, editor, makeup artist, stylist, model, interpreter etc. ) for the project.

Just contact us.