JAPEX’06 resulted in an unexpected great success! This is surely a tremendous news for the philatelist friends over the world. In deed, the global depression of philately was talking about for these several years. In this circumstance, this is a surprising news.
Many exhibits in competitive classes, many visitors of every day, big sales in dealers’ stands, etc. Everything was far more than our expectation.
I was especially impressed to see many visitors were looking at the exhibits of various classes quite earnestly, some were taking note. Usually, most visitors are absorbed in dealer stands and only a few people are in the exhibit area. But this year, the situation was quite different.
I felt that if this circumstance continues next year and on, philately will not decline so easily. Philately will remain as a major hobby in the heart of many people.


Another big news of JAPEX’06 is that Mr. Kenneth G. Clark (UK) was awarded the JPS International Grand Award (or A. M. Tracy Woodward Memorial Award) for his distinguished studies and collections of Japanese philately and to his long lasting contribution for the promotion of Japanese philately. His support for JAPEX for many years was also highly appreciated.
He is the second person who is presented this Grand Award. Mr. Clark’s only predecessor is Dr. Robert M. Spaulding (USA).
The Award was presented in the JAPEX Party in the presence of many participants.
His erudite collection will appear in the JAPEX Commemorative Publication in February.
I hereby repeat my hearty congratulations to Mr. Clark.