Japanese Ship Series 2 Issued on 3. 11, / 4. 12, 1976 (Showa51) The history of Japanese ships dates back to the Jomon period. The large ships originated from the envoys to Tang, which have been used for trade with Tang since the 7th century.There was the "Kenminsen" used for trade with Ming in the 15th century and the Goshuinsen used for trade with foreign countries (mainly Asia) in the 16th century. In the 17th century, the Shogunate ship "Tenchimaru" and the "Sengoku ship" used for private trade were active. After the 19th century, as a result of the introduction of modern shipbuilding technology from Europe and the United States, warships, cargo and passenger ships, container ships, large tankers, etc. were built, and by the middle of the 20th century, Japan became the world's largest shipbuilding country.The Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications introduced the history of Japanese ships with 12 series of stamps.