広島中郵便局 (Hiroshima Naka post office) Fukeiin - Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima

Usually, I go to post offices to get fukeiin on weekdays, but this day was an exception. I was going to a zine event in Hiroshima, and coincidentally, there was a post office near the venue that not only offered fukeiin but was also open on weekends! How lucky! However, on that day, I also had an online meeting I couldn't miss, so I had to go, do everything, and be back home in under 3 hours. Mission accepted!

Zine Above Hiroshima Event

Tacoboze-san's booth
On this day, I went to a zine event called Zine Above Hiroshima, held on the rooftop of Sogo Hiroshima. I came to know about this event from a postcard illustrator and also a Postcrosser whom I follow. Although it's a zine event, the creators usually also showcase and sell other stuff, including postcards. It's a golden opportunity to get postcards from local creators, ones that usually are not available at mainstream stores. 

While there, I also talked to the creators about my postcard hobby. They were excited that their postcards might end up in another country. Since I live here, I try to support Japanese illustrators and small creators as much as possible. I do that by ordering my postcards directly from the creators on their websites or through their Minne/Creema (online platforms for creative products in Japan similar to Etsy). And of course, I love meeting the creators in person, as it gives me insight into their creative process or the story behind the design. 

Hiroshima Naka Post Office

My loot
After visiting all the booths that interested me and buying quite a few things, I headed to the Hiroshima Naka post office. You can reach the post office by taking the Astram line to Kencho-mae Station or by taking the Hiroden streetcar route 1 to Kamiya-cho Higashi Station. Unlike most post offices I've visited, the Hiroshima Naka Post Office is open until 7 pm, while the average post office in Japan closes at 5 pm. Moreover, it's also open on weekends and public holidays, so it's great for people who want to get fukeiin but can't go to a post office during weekday working hours. 

I planned to send four postcards from this post office: one to Belgium, one to Taiwan, one to China, and one to Canada. As usual, I took the obligatory photo at the mailbox. While buying a plain postcard to write my own address on, I asked the officer if they had some special stamps or postcards, and they got some mailbox-shaped postcards! I've been wanting them, but the postcards I visited always ran out! I went over budget, but on the positive side, look at all these treasures I acquired! 

I requested the post office to put fukeiin on the four postcards I'd prepared and one for me, and to post them. I hope all of them reach their new homes safely. After finishing my business at the post office, I rushed home and arrived with about 30 minutes to spare before my online meeting! Mission accomplished! やればできる子. You can do it if you try, lol. 

Hiroshima Naka Post Office Fukeiin

My postcard with the fukeiin arrived a few days later. It had the image of the Atomic Bomb Dome and birds in the background, along with a weird shape in the foreground (I have no idea what it is).

From the Japan Post official website: The fukeiin depicts the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Heiwa Ohashi Bridge. The fukeiin was launched on July 1st, 1972. Heiwa Ohashi Bridge (The Peace Bridge) is located on the east side of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The railings were designed by Isamu Noguchi, a Japanese American. I might have passed by this bridge before without realizing it. I should visit it again, have a proper look, and take a picture next time. 

I'll see you all on my next fukeiin adventure!


Cheers, 

Mulic








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