An is a free, collectible, rubber ink stamp found at many train stations in Japan.[1] 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 suggest eki stamps were inspired by the success of shuinchō stamp books.[2] stamps have existed since at least 1931, the first having been installed at a station in Fukui City.[3] Shortly thereafter, stamps were installed at major stations throughout Japan. In recent years, eki stamps have also spread outside to Japan to places such as Taiwan and Indonesia.[4]
Travelers may use their own notebooks or stamp books to collect these stamps, making it a pleasant way to document their journey.[5] Today, 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.