Definitive Stamps for Celebration

604: Heart 605: "Kotobuki" 606: Red-crowned
crane & Arrowhead
pattern

IssueDefinitive Stamps for Celebration
Date of Issue16 August 1999 (Heisei 11)
Catalogue No.604605606
Denominations 50 yen 80 yen 90 yen
Designs"Heart""Kotobuki"Red-crowned crane
& Arrowhead pattern
Image Area22.5 x 27.0 millimeters
PrintingPhotogravure
in 4 colours
Photogravure in 5 colours
Sheet50 stamps (10 x 5)
DesignerKoide Masaki
(Illustrator)
Shinohara Eita
(Designer)
Isoda Hisao
(Graphic Designer)
First Day of
Issue Postmark
Tokyo Central Post Office



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(Small Notes for the Issue)

On 16 August 1999, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications issued three new definitive stamps for celebration. The new stamps were designed to match the taste of young people and to convey the direct message of celebration.

50 yen: For the background, the colour pink is used that it symbolises happiness and health. Scarlet, white and gold, other celebration colours, are also used to show a heart, a pair of doves and others. The denomination, 50 yen, is for postage of a standard post card.

80 yen: "Kotobuki" is a Chinese character also used in Japan. Its original meaning is "longevity" but in Japan it rather symbolises "celebration." The denomination, 80 yen, is for postage of a standard letter up to 25 grams.

90 yen: Red-crowned crane is a symbol of longevity for 1,000 years, and is also regarded as a lucky mascot for wearing red, lucky colour, on its head. The denomination, 90 yen, is for postage of a standard letter up to 50 grams.