Japanese City Issues Postage Stamp Featuring Mount Everest to Honor Sister City Ties with Nepal

KATHMANDU: In a significant gesture symbolizing the growing friendship between Nepal and Japan, a special Japanese postage stamp featuring Mount Everest was officially unveiled in a ceremony held in Fujinomiya Municipality, Shizuoka Prefecture.

The stamp was released in honor of the recently established sister city relationship between Fujinomiya and Mandandeupur Municipality of Kavrepalanchok District, Nepal.

The ceremony, held on June 9, 2025, was graced Dr. Durga Bahadur Subedi, Nepali Ambassador to Japan. Speaking at the event, Ambassador Dr. Subedi praised the initiative by Fujinomiya Municipality and the Japanese Postal Service Department, noting that this marks a historic moment in Nepal-Japan relations.

He emphasized that featuring the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, on a Japanese postage stamp adds a meaningful cultural and diplomatic layer to the two countries’ friendship, and will play a valuable role in enhancing people-to-people ties and promoting Nepali tourism.

“This postage stamp is not just a symbol of natural beauty,” said Dr. Subedi, “but also a testament to the deepening bond between our nations. It is a proud moment for all Nepalis to see Mount Everest represented on Japan’s postage.”

Fujinomiya City Mayor Hidetada Sudo extended heartfelt thanks to Ambassador Dr. Subedi, crediting his proposals and continued support for the successful publication of the stamp and the sister city initiative. He highlighted the shared values and future collaboration between the two municipalities.

This issuance marks a rare honor for Nepal, as it is the first time in 69 years that a Nepali heritage has been featured on a Japanese postage stamp. While past Nepali stamps have showcased joint imagery such as Mount Everest and Mount Fuji (1996, 2016), Buddhist temples from both nations (2006), and notable Japanese visitors (2002), this event represents a historic first from the Japanese side.