I am expanding my collection of stamps from Japan, and have bought some older ones on Ebay recently.
I love the graphic design of this one.
Check out its interesting history in the caption below.
Issued Oct. 25, 1923
Imperforate | Offset lithography | Granite paper with colored fibers, parallel lines watermark | No gum
183 A51 4 sen Gray-green | Mount Fuji, cherry blossoms and dragonflies around the Imperial Chrysanthemum Seal (the 16-petal flower at the top center)
Text on the stamp:
日本郵便 Nippon Yūbin (Japan Postal Service)
四錢 Yon Sen (or Shi Sen) 4 Sen, equal to 1/100th of a Yen
[Sources: 2021 Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, Vol. 4A, Google AI]
Historical Background
These stamps were created following the Great Kanto Earthquake of September 1, 1923, which devastated Tokyo and Yokohama. The disaster destroyed the government’s Printing Bureau, along with its stamp-making equipment and stored inventory. To maintain postal services during reconstruction, the government commissioned a private corporation to produce these emergency definitives.
Unlike standard stamps of the time, these were issued imperforate (no holes) and without gum (adhesive) on the back due to the emergency conditions. They were used until April 30, 1925, after the Printing Bureau was restored.