The world is becoming more digital but I still use mail system such as letters or postcards. I go to a post office sometimes and always check design stamps there. There are many kinds of stamps seasonal ones, limited ones, characters, traditional Japanese drawings etc. Also they change the designs often.

It is so fun to see the design in a small space, there are stamps with sheets. Some stamps make one design. I’ve heard that there are only seven stamp designers in Japan!

Design stamps (seals) were sold in Denmark in 1904 first. Einar Holbøll, a Danish postal clerk developed the idea of adding an extra charitable stamp on mailed holiday greetings during Christmas. The money raised to help children who are sick with tuberculosis. Since then, the stamps have been sold during Christmas season every year, and it has also spread from Denmark to Scandinavia, Europe, America, and Asia. Now around 80 countries participate the activity.