TOKYO - Japan Post is recruiting "stamp designers" for the first time in seven years. The intricacies of stamp design and the passion behind it were discussed with a current stamp designer.
In October, postal rates increased for the first time in 30 years, leading to the redesign of stamps and postcards. Tomo Maruyama, a stamp designer at Japan Post, created the new designs featuring origami cranes and doves.
"Origami involves folding paper with wishes. While a letter is different in form, it conveys feelings to the recipient. I thought origami would be perfect," Maruyama said. He designed the stamps by folding origami cranes and doves himself and using them as models.
Asked about the challenges, Maruyama humorously remarked, "Folding the origami was the hard part."
Maruyama is one of the seven designers currently working at Japan Post, which is now looking for new talent.
"The number of designers is small, so we don't recruit every year. We currently have seven designers, ranging from their mid-30s to their 60s," explained Akira Tamaki, manager of the Stamp and Postcard Department at Japan Post.
These seven designers are responsible for approximately 30 designs annually. Maruyama, who has been a stamp designer for 25 years, studied traditional crafts like lacquer art at an art university before joining the then-Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications in 1999.
"I had never done design work before, so it was tough at first," Maruyama recalled.
Being a stamp designer has its rewards. "There have always been people who collect stamps as a hobby. Our work isn't just about issuing stamps; it's about creating something that lasts," Maruyama said.
In the 1960s, Japan experienced an unprecedented stamp boom, with department stores even having dedicated stamp sections. When stamps commemorating the 100th anniversary of railway opening were released, people lined up to buy them.
Maruyama, who has created over 1,000 designs, developed the "Celestial Series," which gained attention from enthusiasts. The series started in 2018, with subsequent releases each year. The designs could be combined to form a connected image.
"I used to check Twitter and noticed that by the second release, hardly anyone had realized the stamps connected," Maruyama shared. "It was only with the third release that someone posted, 'Hey, don't these fit together?' and that was exciting to see."
Additionally, Maruyama hid an "octopus alien" in the celestial designs, visible when viewed from certain angles, delighting enthusiasts. Designing stamps is about more than just sending letters; it's about creating a miniature world on a small canvas. However, the small size presents its own challenges.
"I want the design to leave an impression despite its size. Even though it's small, it shouldn't lose its sense of scale," Maruyama explained.
Reflecting on his work, Maruyama said, "Stamps aren't just issued and forgotten; they remain. Some people collect them as a hobby. I'm happy to create something that endures."
Source: ANN
