Useful Information
- All dates are recorded in the Japanese format of Year-Month-Day as is the pattern within this website. For example: western style date 18 May 1917 is recorded as 17.5.18. (or 1917.5.18). The Japanese calendar system is often confused for the western calendar thereby incorrectly dating items. Please see the comparative Calendar under the HISTORY - Calendar tab.
- No numbering system is used within this website. Western style Calendar dates are used. It is more informative to learn dates rather than numbers as the primary ID method.
- The "Genuine" section contains a variety of sub-sections. Stamp images are separated into different types (Commemoratives, Definitives, National Parks, etc.) together with brief descriptions of the most collectible issues which in general date from first issue until the 1940's/1950's. After than time issue volumes increased substantially and the philatelic values decreased accordingly. Money values are not the primary guide for a cut-off point - rather there are just too many stamps involved.
- The "Non-Genuine" section contains various images of Dragons and Cherry Blossoms. The DVD advertised contains hundreds of images and detailed analysis versus the Genuine issue on a per stamp basis. If you want to gain a greater understanding of early Japanese forgeries this DVD is a must to buy!