January 2026 – Jargon Killer

I’ve just received a stunning batch of 10 postcards from my penpal in Japan, arriving just in time for the Christmas break. From the upcoming 2025 World Expo to vintage railway history, this collection is a vivid window into Japanese heritage and modern celebrations.

Here is a look at each of these special arrivals:

The 2026 Year of the Horse

Technically for the upcoming New Year, this card features a charming “Miharu-goma” (a traditional wooden toy horse) from Fukushima. It’s a classic Nengajo (New Year’s card) style, wishing for a year of health and happiness.

Winter Greetings: Snowy Village

A cozy, illustrative card showing a snow-covered street with a lit-up Christmas tree in the window. The stamp and “Fukuoka Central” postmark feature a beautiful reindeer design, perfectly capturing the winter spirit.

Mt. Fuji & Expo 2025

This card is a real standout, featuring a shimmering, textured Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms. It celebrates the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, featuring the quirky red-and-blue mascot, Myaku-Myaku, on both the stamp and the special commemorative postmark.

Winter Greetings: Colourful Pines

Another lovely seasonal card with a softer, pastel aesthetic. It depicts a snowy forest with vibrant, decorated trees. The postmark from Fukuoka Central matches the winter theme with a stylized tree design.

Sunflowers in Summer

A bright contrast to the winter cards! This vibrant field of sunflowers feels like a warm hug. Interestingly, the postmark features a cute pair of foxes, part of the “My Travel Stamp” series.

Hakodate Night View

A breathtaking night shot of Hakodate, Hokkaido—famous for having one of the most beautiful “million-dollar views” in the world. The postmark features a fluffy Shima Enaga (Long-tailed Tit), a bird iconic to the Hokkaido region.

Imperial Visit to the USA, 1975

A piece of history! This commemorative card marks the 1975 visit of Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun to the United States. It features the Japanese flag draped with flowering dogwood, a symbol of friendship between the two nations.

The End of Railway Mail Service

This card is a treat for history buffs, commemorating the end of Japan’s railway post office service in 1987. It shows the “Meiji Era” mail carriages and the hardworking staff who used to sort mail while the trains were in motion.

Opening of the Joetsu Shinkansen

Celebrating the 1982 opening of the Joetsu Bullet Train line. The artwork depicts the iconic “200 Series” Shinkansen alongside Japanese Crested Ibises (Toki), which are native to the Niigata region the train serves.

International Year of Space, 1992

Rounding out the collection is this cosmic card from 1992. It features satellites and space stations, with a special “Tokyo Central” postmark commemorating Japan’s contributions to space exploration during that era.

I’m particularly drawn to the shimmery Mt. Fuji card, but that little Shima Enaga bird on the Hakodate postmark is a very close second!

There is something timeless about San Marino. Perched high atop Mount Titano and surrounded entirely by Italy, this tiny microstate feels like a living medieval fairy tale. During my recent visit, I couldn’t resist picking up a few postcards that perfectly capture the spirit of the “Serenissima Repubblica”.

Here are the five postcards I added to my collection:

1. The Guaita Tower at Golden Hour

The first card is a stunning photograph of the Prima Torre (Guaita). It’s the oldest of the three iconic towers and dates back to the 11th century. I love this shot because the warm streetlamps and the setting sun against the stone walls make the fortress look incredibly welcoming, despite its rugged cliffside perch.

2. The Statue of Liberty (Statua della Libertà)

No, not the one in New York! San Marino has its own Statue of Liberty located in the Piazza della Libertà. This white Carrara marble statue is a symbol of the country’s fierce independence and democratic roots. Seeing it against that crisp blue sky on the postcard reminds me of how clear the air feels at 700 metres above sea level.

3. Modern Art: “Prima Torre” by Sergio Ruggeri

I wanted something a bit different from a standard photo, and this illustration by Sergio Ruggeri hit the mark. It’s a minimalist, almost surrealist take on the Guaita tower. The soft, rounded shapes and the floating red-and-white ball give it a playful, modern energy that contrasts beautifully with the ancient subject matter.

4. The Historic San Marino–Rimini Railway

This card features another Ruggeri illustration, this time depicting the historic Ferrovia Elettrica. This train once connected San Marino to the Italian coastal city of Rimini before it was damaged during WWII. The artwork shows the blue-and-white carriage crossing a bright orange viaduct—a lovely piece of local nostalgia.

5. The National Flag (Libertas)

Finally, I had to get a simple, classic shot of the San Marinese flag. The white and blue horizontal bands represent peace and liberty, featuring the national coat of arms in the centre. Seeing it fluttering against the sky is a constant sight as you wander the narrow, winding streets of the capital.

A Special Souvenir

What makes these cards even more special is the official Poste San Marino cancellation mark. I managed to get one stamped on 29/11/2025 with a special “Natale delle Meraviglie” (Christmas of Wonders) design. It’s a small detail, but for a collector, it’s the perfect finishing touch.

Which one is your favourite? The classic photography or the stylised illustrations? Let me know in the comments!