№ 2353-2354. Joint Issue of the Russian Federation and Japan. Flowers

2018 is the Russian-Japanese bilateral year aiming at further development and strengthening of relations between the two countries.

Russia and Japan are famous for their wonderful natural word with many varieties of interesting and beautiful vegetable life.

The chrysanthemum is Japan’s top flower named after the sun that the Japanese, according to a legend, are believed to trace history to. Chrysanthemums can be found in the national symbols. It has allegedly been considered the Japanese Emperors’ emblem since the 7^th century. The flower is also depicted on the Order of Chrysanthemum established is 1888, which is acknowledged to be the highest and most honorary national award.

Sakura (cherry blossom) is a tree of the rose family, genus Prunus. Most of these trees perform a decorative function: they blossom with no fruit. There are 16 species and over 400 varieties of sakura. The blooming of sakura is celebrated in Japan on the national level: the opening ceremony of “Hanami” (“Contemplation of flowers”) is held at Shinjuku, Tokyo central park, and is attended by the Imperial Family members. 

The camomile has from time immemorial been a symbol of Russia’s nature. Leucanthemum vulgare is widely known as the oxeye daisy. This tender snow-white flower is considered a sun symbol and blooms throughout the summer. It can be found in European Russia, Crimea, in the Caucasus and Siberia.

Rhododendron is literally translated from Greek as a “rose tree”. Rhododendrons are very air humidity-demanding, thus they prefer mountainsides. For this reason, thirteen out of eighteen species growing in Russia are found in a monsoon climate of the Far East. The colour of its petals varies from rose to purple.

Postage stamps feature flowers wrapped in ribbons of the national colours: a chrysanthemum and cherry blossom on the Japanese part, and leucanthemum vulgare and rhododendron dauricum on the Russian part.