With this month's release, four different designs for spring, summer, autumn and winter are finally available: " 365: Nippon - Aki ", " 365: Nippon - Fuyu ", "365: Nippon - Haru " and " 365: Nippon - Natsu "!
This time, there will be a total of 10 stamps with a Japan theme, so I would like to take this opportunity to talk about the Nippon series .
From the top left: Nippon | Nippon 2 | Oshogatsu | Eto | Oshogatsu 2
Bottom row (from left): Nippon - Haru | Nippon - Natsu | Nippon - Aki | Nippon - Fuyu | Omamori & Ema
I think it was around this time in 2016 that the first " 365: Nippon " joined the group. It's been seven years already! Time flies...
At the time, I often returned to Japan temporarily to see family and friends or for business trips, and I thought it would be nice to have a stamp that I could use to keep a memory of my stay in Japan.
Japanese-themed stamps overseas are called Japanese-themed stamp sets, but they often feature designs based on a broader Asian theme, or classic Japanese designs that aren't very practical.
When I made a list of designs that I thought would be nice to have - a map of Japan, ramen, rotating and non-rotating sushi, Shinkansen... it turned into an overly ambitious list of ideas, with "this and that too!!" It was too difficult to choose designs to put in a 4x6 stamp set, so I thought I'd make it into a series! And that's how I got to where I am now.
At one time I was keeping records of ramen shops and memories from all over Japan. The Nippon series stamps were an indispensable item at that time.
I was still based in Hawaii at the time, so I made this so that foreigners could read it. It brings back memories. In Hawaii, where there are many Japanese people and Japanese culture is widespread, "onigiri" is called "Musubi," so I've been asked many times, "What's the difference?!" (The Kojien dictionary says that it's just a different way of saying it.)
Making New Year's cards has become fun. In particular, " 365: Eto " includes the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, so I'm happy that I can use it every year! It's indispensable not only for New Year's cards, but also for keeping track of the month of January.
...And lastly, the cherry blossom tree stamp from " 365: NIppon - Haru ". I previously wrote on my blog that if you stamp the cherry blossom part of the cherry blossom tree stamp with ink that is not pink, you can express everything from young leaves to autumn leaves! ( ▶︎ ▶︎ ▶︎This is this article ◀︎ ◀︎ ◀︎ )
I tried it out with a festival scene. If you cover the top and bottom with your hands while looking at it, the impression changes just because the color of the leaves is different. This is a versatile tree-lined road stamp that you can use to enjoy the changing seasons, so please make use of it!
While I was writing this, I thought that if I added a gradation of yellow, orange, and red, I could create autumn leaves. I'd like to try that again.
I think this every time, but Japan's four seasons are wonderful. Thanks to my father's job transfers, I was able to experience living in many different regions and countries , and as an adult, I really feel that Japan is a great place to live.
This Nippon series will continue! If there is a design you would like to see, please let us know.
Tomorrow I would like to introduce how to use the stamps in "365: Let's Play!" I would be happy if you could come back and check it out when you have time. Thank you.