Member Blogs

Why I Collecting Japanese Stamps by Lois M. Evans-de Violini, ISJP Director, August 15, 2016. Why do you collect Japanese stamps?

Was it love of postal history? The beauty of the stamp? Curiosity about how the stamps were produced? A need to acquire, collect, or have something unique to you? Are you a closet collector, or do you want to show off your stuff to other collectors? What is your passion?

How I got involved with philately, and how it came to be focused on Japan and the ISJP by Ken Kamholz – Vice President & Publisher JP, August 25, 2016. When I was just six years old, an uncle brought me an old, nearly empty stamp album, and introduced me to collecting. I remember no details about those early discussions, but I do recall doing things that would be expected from a little kid whose knowledge was limited. For example, there was a US postage due stamp in the album, but it was loosely attached to the page (by what I later learned to be a stamp hinge). I got out my cellophane “Scotch” tape and securely taped it down so it wouldn’t move. . .

A Childhood Dream by George Dean – Member 5954, Septermber 17, 2016. I was born 1945 in San Francisco. Yes, it was convenient that there was an active “Japan Town” near Geary and Fillmore streets that would bring the culture alive during numerous visits. There were restaurants, antique shops, a book store, a theater, and so on. Further out Fillmore, up Divisadero hill and down a steep hill to Union Street you would find the Rio Theater (more later). . .