Japanese Stamps Digital Museum

メートル法完全実施 << 1959年(昭和34年) 6月5日 >> 2-4-109

Adoption of Metric System Issued on June 5, 1959 (Showa 34)

Adoption of Metric System Issued on June 5, 1959 (Showa 34) In Japan before the Edo period, the shakkanho method (an ancient Japanese measurement method) was used. Due to the need to shift to global standardization of metrology,the government decided to join the Meter Convention in 1884 and promulgated it in 1885.
However, at that time, measurement by the shakkanho method was still common in Japan. After the Pacific War, the Measurement Law was abolished in 1951 and the Measurement Law was enacted.Finally, in 1959, except for the "tsubo" notation of land and buildings, the metric systemWas fully implemented.
Stamps are designed with weighing tools (ruler, weighing, lightweight beaker).