Japan – Scott # 1387

Description

Japan – Scott #1387 (Mint Never Hinged)

This charming Japanese New Year souvenir sheet, issued in 1980 (Showa 55), celebrates the tradition of oshōgatsu with a playful, modern graphic design. The sheet features two identical 20-yen stamps depicting a stylized stacked zodiac monkey, symbolizing good fortune, joy, and continuity as the new year begins.

The surrounding sheet design is strikingly minimalist, accented with diagonal bands of red, blue, and gray lines that give the piece a distinctly late-1970s/early-1980s modernist feel. The combination of traditional New Year symbolism and contemporary design makes Scott #1387 especially appealing to collectors of Japanese souvenir sheets and thematic New Year issues.

Printed as a complete miniature sheet, this issue was intended more for collecting and gift-giving than everyday postal use, enhancing its desirability in intact condition. This example is mint never hinged (MNH), with full original gum on the reverse and no signs of mounting or handling.

A delightful addition to collections focused on Japan, New Year issues, zodiac themes, or modern graphic design.

Details:

• Country: Japan

• Scott Catalog Number: 1387

• Denomination: 20 yen (two stamps)

• Condition: Mint Never Hinged (MNH), full original gum

• Issue Year: 1980

• Format: Souvenir sheet / miniature sheet

• Color: Multicolor

• Theme: New Year, zodiac, cultural tradition