Eki stamp

{{Short description|Collectible stamp at Japanese train stations}}

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Eki stamp}}

{{Expand Japanese|topic=transp|date=February 2024}}

File:Eki stamp 8jo WATANABE Hachijo.jpg]]

File:OfunaStation1958Stamp.jpg, 1958]]

An {{Nihongo|eki stamp|駅スタンプ|eki sutanpu|"station stamp"}} is a free, collectible, rubber ink stamp found at many train stations in Japan.{{Cite book|last=Chen|first=Rou-jin|title=一個木匠和他的台灣博覽會|publisher=麥田|year=2018|isbn=9789863445074|location=Taiwan|pages=32}} Their designs typically feature imagery emblematic of the station's associated city or surrounding area, such as landmarks, mascots, or locally produced goods. A time-limited event involving eki stamps pertaining to a specific theme, especially a collaboration with a product of Japanese popular culture, is called a stamp rally.

Some{{Who|date=September 2024}} suggest eki stamps were inspired by the success of shuinchō stamp books.{{Cite web |last=白水 |first=忠隆 |title=番外編「スタンプラリーの研究」 |url=https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/consumercoopstudies/473/0/473_57/_pdf |website=Japan Science and Technology Agency |language=ja}} {{Transliteration|ja|Eki}} stamps have existed since at least 1931, the first having been installed at a station in Fukui City.{{cite web |url=https://hyperallergic.com/249783/the-design-nostalgia-of-japans-train-station-stamps/ |title=The Design Nostalgia of Japan's Train Station Stamps |publisher=HYPERALLERGIC |date=January 6, 2016 |accessdate=September 10, 2018}} Shortly thereafter, {{Transliteration|ja|eki}} stamps were installed at major stations throughout Japan. In recent years, eki stamps have also spread outside to Japan to places such as Taiwan{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}} and Indonesia.{{Cite web |title=Hadirkan Stempel Stasiun Bercorak Budaya, MRT Jakarta Dukung Edukasi Pelanggan {{!}} MRT Jakarta |url=https://www.jakartamrt.co.id/id/info-terkini/hadirkan-stempel-stasiun-bercorak-budaya-mrt-jakarta-dukung-edukasi-pelanggan |access-date=2024-10-09 |website=www.jakartamrt.co.id}}

Travelers may use their own notebooks or stamp books to collect these stamps, making it a pleasant way to document their journey.{{cite web |url=https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/eki-train-stamps |title=Collecting Eki Stamps: A Fun Japanese Railway Quest |date=August 2023 |publisher=JRailPass}} Today, {{Transliteration|ja|eki}} stamps exist at nearly all (typically staffed) train stations and many subway stations in Japan. While not technically eki stamps (as eki in Japanese means "[train] station"), similar stamps can also be found at other passenger points of boarding, such as airports, ports, visitor information and tourist centers, roadside stations, and highway service areas.

File:Tokyo station eki stamp.jpg|Tōkyō Station eki stamp stand

File:Nippori station eki stamp.jpg|Nippori Station eki stamp stand

File:Watashinotabi-Stump-Stand.JPG|Former stamp stand at Nagoya Station