On May 13th, the sale of "Mifune-in" began at the Aomori port cultural exchange facility "Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru" (Yanagawa, Aomori City).

Mifune-jirushi started in April 2021 with the official approval of the Japan Passenger Ship Association, and 101 shipping companies nationwide (as of April 2023) and maritime museums participate in issuing and selling their own stamps. The facility is the 97th company, the first in the north Tohoku.

Takafumi Tamura, general manager of the NPO Aomori Minato Club, which manages the facility, said, "Mifune stamp fans who have come from within and outside the prefecture who have been eagerly awaiting the start of sales, as well as those who have visited the museum for sightseeing, have become interested in traveling. In some cases, they buy it as a souvenir," he said with a smile.

According to Mr. Tamura, the Seikan Ferry has a "vehicle deck" that uses a "movable bridge" to load freight vehicles, and it is rare in the world that railroad vehicles can cross the sea through a ship. "The Hakkoda Maru is a valuable facility that has preserved its original condition. Next year will mark its 60th anniversary. Through the sale of the 'Mifune Mark,' we want to convey the appeal of the Hakkoda Maru to new customers," he said enthusiastically.

The price of “Mifune-jirushi” is 550 yen. The official "Funaincho" where you can collect Mifuneinrushi from various places is 1,980 yen. Both will be sold at the reception inside the facility.

Business hours are: Summer (April 1st to October 31st) = 9:00 to 19:00 (last admission 18:00), Winter (November 1st to March 31st) = 9:00 to 17:00 (same 16:30). Closed on Mondays in winter.