Japan – Scott # 1549

Description

This mint never hinged commemorative stamp from Japan, Scott #1549, was issued in 1983 to mark the 38th National Sports Festival of Japan (Kokutai). With a denomination of 40 yen, the stamp highlights traditional Japanese martial arts as part of the nation’s broader athletic heritage.

The design features a female kendo practitioner poised mid-motion, holding a bamboo sword (shinai) raised overhead in a classic preparatory stance. Dressed in traditional keikogi and hakama, the figure conveys discipline, balance, and controlled power. A soft, stylized background suggests motion and space without distracting from the central figure, reinforcing the focus on form and technique.

By combining modern sporting celebration with a centuries-old martial tradition, this issue reflects the Kokutai’s role in promoting both physical fitness and cultural continuity. The stamp is particularly appealing to collectors of sports on stamps, martial arts, Japanese culture, and event commemoratives.

The stamp is offered MNH, with full original gum, fresh color, and clean, intact perforations throughout.

Scott Catalog Number: 1549
Country: Japan
Year of Issue: 1983
Denomination: ¥40
Subject: National Sports Festival (Kokutai)
Theme: Sports / Martial Arts / Culture
Format: Single Stamp
Condition: Mint Never Hinged (MNH)