Designing Stamps

Emma :

Could you tell me/about your job?

Tamaki :

Sure. In Japan,/from 40 to 50 special stamp designs/are released every year,/and we create all of them.

Emma :

That’s amazing!

Tamaki :

It usually takes three to four months/to design a stamp.

Emma :

Oh,/that long! Is it difficult/to make a picture in such a tiny space?

Tamaki :

Actually,/we draw on A4-size paper.

Emma :

I didn’t know that.

Emma :

Which project is the most memorable for you?

Tamaki :

I designed special stamps/to get donations for people/who suffered in the Great East Japan Earthquake. We tried to create heart-warming images.

Emma :

How encouraging!

Tamaki :

Thanks. But it was a tough job/as I had only ten days/to complete the designs.

Emma :

What made you rush?

Tamaki :

We thought it important/to collect funds quickly/to help the victims.

Emma :

What has encouraged you/to work as a stamp designer for over 30 years?

Tamaki :

Stamps introduce the culture, history and nature/of each country. It’s an honor/to be involved in the process/of making such “small diplomats.” I hope/my designs are interesting and attractive. I’ll keep making designs/that people enjoy.

Emma :

Thank you so much. We’re looking forward to your next stamps.