Singapore Postcrossing on local TV

This week, Postcrossing was discussed on a local Chinese morning show. Two members were interviewed and one of them is Singapore's 4th most active member, Mr lohsmeng. As an active participant for Singapore's Official Meetup Session, he also shared about the community and the meetup session.

I'm not sure how much a Chinese and also a morning show will help to spread the message but at least, Postcrossing is receiving recognition through the media. Hopefully as times goes by, it will encourage the younger generation to join in the fun which isn't a part of their growing up.

Here's the video if you're interested:
《晨光第一线》之潮流解码：明信片交友

*Do note that the video clip runs in full Chinese without any translation in English.

Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum Stamps

I am usually one who sleeps almost through the day as I'm a night owl. But somehow, I managed to wake myself up in the morning and pulled myself to the post office yesterday for the new series of stamps – Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum. The stamps are boldly designed in blocks of striking colours. I'm also excited that Singapore now has a dinosaur stamp which is uncommon. This is actually not the first. The first was released in 1998, so I don't think I'll be able to find stocks to use.

Back home, I researched about this upcoming new museum in Singapore that is going to be officially opened on the 28 April and learnt that Singapore now has three dinosaurs' skeletons standing in the museum. How amazing! But of course, millions of dollars were spent to have them here. The cool part about these three dinosaurs' skeletons, consisting of two adults and one baby, is that they were found close to one another which suggested that they might be a family.

After doing some readings about this museum, I really can't wait to lay my eyes on these mesmerising skeletons that used to be like an illusion to me.

Monthly Affair with Singpost for SG50

Mailing physical mails can be really fun, especially when it comes to receiving. To celebrate this special year, Singpost has been releasing monthly SG50 slogan that can be seen on any regular size flat mails that are machine cancelled. I know this is pretty late to share but hey, there are still 9 more designs to collect. Or either, collect those that you like for memory sake. For foreigners, you can get Singaporean snailmailers to help. This applies to postcards as well.

Photo Credit: Singpost

These specially designed slogans are released on every second half of the month - starting from 15 (or later if 15 falls on a weekend) till the month ends. It’s not hard to obtain them unless the mail unluckily receives manual cancelation. Not that it is common, but there is still this (teeny weeny) possibility. So it’s like playing gambling with Singpost. Frustrating, I know! In anyway, snail mail is a gambling game after all (without tracking). Anyhow, these slogans requires effort and determination to take the extra mile to collect them all. (Unless you have a super kind friend who is willing to mail you every month.) This is what I have been working on now. My #projectsg50! Totally can’t wait till December to review the fulfilling results. Nevertheless, I have been having fun digging out stamps for matching stamp and slogans.

A photo posted by ♡ Kageko かげこ ♡ (@jellyrabby) on Mar 22, 2015 at 12:21am PDT

Currently, in my mind there’s a project #2 that I hope to be able to work on. Though unrelated to SG50, it’s still about the little pleasures in postal. Hopefully I will get myself into it so I can share.

How to make Japanese friends online

I guess this would interest many who are interested in Japanese culture and would like to have real Japanese as friends. However, this post does not guarantee that you can successfully make friends with Japanese. After all, making friends is all about having both parties agreeing to carry on the friendship/conversation and also sharing the same interest. Many can agree to be friends with you but through my experience, not many will always be there to hold conversations with you. Like after awhile MIA due to busyness or whatever reason.

And please don't expect all Japanese to be interested in Japanese fashion or makeup. But in general, you can learn Japanese culture and the language from them. At the same time, those who usually are interested to make foreign friends are those who are interested in culture/language exchange.

1// ☆ japan-guide.com

This is a site where most Japanese will post up advertisements for foreign friends request or language exchange. Similarly, you can also do the same and see if anyone "knocks at your door". Don't be surprise if a non-Japanese "knocks at your door" too. Other than making friends, you can also get some help through this site if you are planning an itinerary for upcoming Japan trip (I hope mine will come soon! (≧▽≦)☆).

2// ☆ Interpals Penpals
Interpals is a platform to make foreign friends from all over the world and quite a lot of Japanese are in it too. There is a 'Looking for' section where it indicates what one is looking for. There's penpals, language exchange, friendship and etc. You can try your luck in find one here by messaging them but I won't say they will 100% reply you even if they show no interest.


Snail mailing is part of the culture in Japan. I remember reading somewhere that in schools (not sure is it all schools or just some), there is actually a snail mailing activity for the students. They actually have a platform for students to communicate with foreigners (I think students too) through letters. When New Year Day (1st January) is nearing, they would also mail out new year postcards (年賀状 nengajo) like how we mail out Chinese New Year  or Christmas greeting cards. So, if you are interested in snail mailing and would like to do some swaps with Japanese, the site listed below is for you.

3// ☆ Postcrossing
Postcrossing is a well-known platform to exchange postcards from all over the world. Most snail mailers are on this site. Hence, you can try spotting Japanese who are looking for penpals or you can do some private swap (postcards or package) with them or try your luck to build up a friendship. However, please note that you have to be active on this site before asking for swaps or anything. Cause being active with successful number of mailed out postcards reflects an evident of trust that you actually will mail things out.

4// ☆ Instagram
This is mainly for swaps or penpalling. Because we get to see what others has mailed out or received, it became a platform for potential swaps or pen-palling to take place.

5// ☆ Pen Friend Club of Japan
If you have problem finding a Japanese penpal or don't know how to start, you can just mail your application form to Pen Friend Club and wait for a letter to reach you. I don't exactly know how this works since I haven't tried this system before, but at least, I guess, you can find your ideal penpal (eg with same interest or around the same age etc). Of course, in the application form you have to state what kind of penpal you are looking for.


This is it for now. I'll update more if I happen to find out more sites. Other than japan-guide.com and Pen Friend Club of Japan, you can actually find other foreign friends too. You don't have to find only Japanese friends. Having foreign friends from different countries can actually be a fun thing to learn about their culture and lifestyle that differs from ourselves. But please note that building a friendship requires time and effort, so do not flood inboxes and end up finding yourself with too many friends that you cannot handle. Take your time and you'll eventually find one or a few that can hold good conversations with you. (〃º╰╯^ ) ～☆

Have fun making new foreign friends!  ♪(*^^)o∀*∀o(^^*)♪