The yokai stamps from Echizen-Wakasa Kidan that I mentioned in last week’s post are now available from the Yokai.com Shop and from Japan Post.

The stamps feature tales from across Fukui Prefecture: Magoemon’s Wife (from Ono City, Fukui), The Ghost of Shibata Katsuie (Fukui City, Fukui), The Demon Pond (Minamiechizen Town, Fukui), The Holy Man’s Rug (Obama City, Fukui), and The Name of Wakasa (Wakasa Province).

The Japanese language version of Echizen-Wakasa Kidan is out now in stores throughout Japan, and will be made available on Yokai.com after copies have been sent out to Kickstarter backers. The English version will be available later this year.

Japan Post held a ceremony this morning to announce the release of the stamps. Here I am with PosKuma, one of Japan Post’s mascot bears. I hate speaking in front of people and I am always nervous at these kinds of things, but big plush mascots are helpful in reducing the pressure.

The stamps will only be available while supplies last. I hope they will help to raise awareness about Fukui’s rich history and folklore!