Iyo-Saijo Station: 55th Anniversary Stamp Cards (2026–2027)

Shiokaze & Nanpu 55th Anniversary Commemorative Stamp Card Sheets at Iyo-Saijo Station

This guidance applies to rail passengers and stamp collectors who plan to visit Iyo-Saijo Station on the JR Yosan Line in Ehime Prefecture between May 9, 2026 and March 14, 2027. During this period, JR Shikoku is distributing limited-edition commemorative stamp card sheets celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Shiokaze (しおかぜ) and Nanpu (南風) limited express services. If you collect Japanese railway station stamps or plan to ride these iconic Shikoku limited express trains during the anniversary window, the following information is directly relevant to your trip planning.

The distribution is managed at the station level by Iyo-Saijo Station under the direction of Station Master Koji Ishiguchi (石口浩二駅長). According to the official JR Shikoku press release dated May 1, 2026, this is a time-limited distribution with two distinct phases, each featuring its own commemorative card sheet design. The initiative encourages passengers to stamp the commemorative card sheets with the Iyo-Saijo Station stamp, available at the ticket gate area.

Who This Applies To

This commemorative stamp card sheet distribution is relevant to the following groups of travelers and railway enthusiasts:

• Railway stamp collectors (鉄道スタンプ収集家): If you maintain a collection of Japanese railway station stamps, the 55th anniversary card sheets from Iyo-Saijo Station represent a limited-edition addition. The source confirms that two separate distribution phases will each feature distinct designs, giving collectors an incentive to visit during both periods.
• Passengers riding the Shiokaze or Nanpu limited express services: These two train services are central to Shikoku's intercity rail network. The Shiokaze connects Okayama with Matsuyama and Uwajima via the Yosan Line, while the Nanpu connects Okayama with Kochi via the Dosan Line, with both services stopping at Iyo-Saijo Station. If you are boarding or alighting at Iyo-Saijo, you can take advantage of the stamp distribution at the ticket gate.
• Travelers passing through Iyo-Saijo Station: Even if you are not specifically riding the Shiokaze or Nanpu, Iyo-Saijo is a stop on the local and rapid services of the Yosan Line. Any passenger passing through the station during the distribution period may request a commemorative card sheet at the ticket gate.
• Visitors to Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture: Iyo-Saijo Station serves the city of Saijo, which is known for its summer festival and port area. If your travel itinerary includes this part of Ehime, the stamp card sheet is available as a no-cost commemorative item during the distribution windows.

The source does not specify whether passengers must hold a valid ticket or be actively boarding a train to receive the card sheet. It states only that distribution occurs at the ticket gate (改札口) of Iyo-Saijo Station. Passengers without a valid fare ticket may need to inquire at the station office, but the source does not confirm or deny this scenario.

Steps to Obtain the Commemorative Stamp Card Sheet

Based on the official JR Shikoku notice, the process for obtaining and using the 55th anniversary stamp card sheet is as follows:

1. Confirm the current distribution phase. Two separate distribution periods are defined. Phase 1 runs from May 9, 2026 (Saturday) through September 30, 2026 (Wednesday). Phase 2 runs from October 1, 2026 (Thursday) through March 14, 2027 (Sunday). Each phase features a different commemorative card sheet design. Ensure your visit falls within one of these windows, as the source explicitly states that distribution outside these periods is not possible (配布期間外でのお渡しはいたしかねます).
2. Visit Iyo-Saijo Station on the JR Yosan Line. The station is located at Ehime Prefecture, Saijo City, Omachi 859-1 (愛媛県西条市大町８５９－１). It is served by local, rapid, and limited express services on the Yosan Line.
3. Proceed to the ticket gate (改札口) area. The commemorative stamp card sheets are distributed at the ticket gate. This is where the station's stamp is also located.
4. Request the commemorative stamp card sheet from station staff. The source does not specify whether the card sheets are self-service or handed out by staff, but the distribution point is the ticket gate counter area.
5. Use the Iyo-Saijo Station commemorative stamp to make your impression. The station has a dedicated stamp available at the ticket gate area. Apply the stamp to the commemorative card sheet. The source encourages passengers to enjoy stamp collecting (スタンプ収集をお楽しみください).
6. Optionally, use your own notebook or stamp book. The source confirms that the stamp can also be applied to a personal notebook or stamp collection book that you bring yourself (お客様がお持ちのノート等への押印). The commemorative card sheet is not the only acceptable surface for the stamp.

Limits and Exceptions

The official JR Shikoku notice includes several important restrictions and clarifications. Travelers should be aware of the following before visiting:

Stamps Cannot Be Applied to Train Tickets

The source explicitly states that the commemorative stamp cannot be stamped onto rail tickets or other fare documents (スタンプは乗車券類への押印は出来ません). This includes standard tickets, discount tickets, and IC card surfaces. The stamp must be applied either to the official commemorative card sheet provided by Iyo-Saijo Station or to a personal notebook or stamp book brought by the passenger.

Distribution Is Limited to Defined Periods Only

Card sheets are available only during the specified distribution windows. The source uses clear language: distribution outside these periods will not be provided (配布期間外でのお渡しはいたしかねます). There is no indication that the periods will be extended or that early/late distribution will be accommodated.

Existing Station Stamp Card Sheets Remain Valid

The notice clarifies that the standard Iyo-Saijo Station stamp card sheet (currently in use) will continue to be available alongside the commemorative edition. Passengers who prefer the regular design, or who have already begun collecting on the standard card sheet, may continue to use it without interruption.

Distribution Is at a Single Station Only

According to the source, the commemorative card sheets are distributed exclusively at Iyo-Saijo Station. There is no mention of distribution at other stations along the Yosan Line, Dosan Line, or at any other JR Shikoku station. The notice does not indicate that this is part of a larger multi-station campaign, though the source does reference a special website (details below) which may contain additional context.

Design Details Are Visual Only

The source includes design images for both phases but does not provide detailed textual descriptions of the artwork. Phase 1 features one design (front and back). Phase 2 features two distinct designs (front and back for each). The specific visual themes, color schemes, and artwork details are not described in the source text; only the design images are provided. Travelers interested in the specific artwork should consult the official special website referenced in the notice.

No Mention of Cost

The source does not specify whether the commemorative stamp card sheets are distributed free of charge or at a cost. The language used (配布 — "distribution") typically implies complimentary distribution in Japanese railway contexts, but the source does not explicitly state this. Travelers should be prepared for either possibility, though free distribution is the most likely interpretation.

No Quantity Limits Specified

The notice does not mention a daily or total distribution limit for the card sheets. It is not stated whether supplies are limited or whether the card sheets will be available throughout the entire distribution period. The source only notes that distribution will not occur outside the specified dates.

What Travelers Should Prepare

Based on the information provided in the official source, the following preparation is recommended:

• A personal notebook or stamp book (optional): If you prefer to collect the Iyo-Saijo Station stamp in your own stamp collection book rather than on the commemorative card sheet, bring it with you. The source confirms that the station stamp can be applied to personal notebooks (お客様がお持ちのノート等). This is standard practice at Japanese railway stations that offer stamp services.
• Check the distribution dates before traveling: Since distribution is strictly limited to the two defined periods, confirm the current phase before making a dedicated trip. Phase 1 ends September 30, 2026; Phase 2 begins the following day on October 1, 2026. There is no gap between the two periods, but the card sheet designs change at the transition.
• Valid rail fare or station access: The source states that distribution occurs at the ticket gate (改札口). To reach the ticket gate area of Iyo-Saijo Station, you will typically need to pass through the gate with a valid ticket or fare. If you are not a departing or arriving passenger, you may need to speak with station staff about accessing the stamp area. The source does not address this scenario specifically.
• Ink pad availability: The source does not specify whether the station stamp is a self-inking stamp or requires a separate ink pad. At most JR Shikoku stations, stamps are self-inking and do not require additional supplies. However, this detail is not confirmed in the source notice.

Design Overview

The official press release includes design preview images for both phases. While the source does not provide written descriptions of the artwork, the following structural details are confirmed:

• Phase 1: One commemorative card sheet design, with distinct front and back artwork.
• Phase 2: Two separate commemorative card sheet designs, each with its own front and back artwork. This means Phase 2 offers greater variety for collectors.

In total, three unique card sheet designs will be available across both phases. Collectors aiming to obtain all designs should plan to visit during both Phase 1 and Phase 2, as the designs are specific to each distribution period. The source does not state whether Phase 2 designs will be distributed simultaneously or if they will be rotated within the Phase 2 window.

For the full design images, refer to the official special website listed in the source notice.

Background: The Shiokaze and Nanpu Limited Express Services

The Shiokaze and Nanpu are two of the principal limited express services operated by JR Shikoku, both celebrating their 55th anniversary in 2026. While the source notice focuses specifically on the stamp card sheet distribution at Iyo-Saijo Station, the anniversary itself marks a significant milestone for Shikoku's rail network.

Shiokaze (しおかぜ)

The Shiokaze limited express operates along the Yosan Line, connecting Okayama Station on the Sanyo Shinkansen with Matsuyama and Uwajima in Ehime Prefecture. The service crosses the Seto-Ohashi Bridge and runs along the coast of the Seto Inland Sea. Iyo-Saijo Station is one of the principal stops on this route.

Nanpu (南風)

The Nanpu limited express operates between Okayama and Kochi via the Dosan Line, passing through the heart of Shikoku. While the primary route of the Nanpu does not pass through Iyo-Saijo Station, the anniversary celebration is being held jointly with the Shiokaze, as both services began operations in the same year.

For detailed schedules, fares, and reservation information for these services, consult the JR Shikoku passes and fare guide on japantrain.net.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the commemorative stamp card sheet free?

The official source uses the term 配布 (distribution), which in the context of Japanese railway station promotions typically implies complimentary distribution. However, the source does not explicitly state that the card sheets are free of charge. Travelers should be prepared for either possibility, though free distribution is the most reasonable interpretation based on the language used.

Can I get the stamp on my regular train ticket?

No. The source explicitly prohibits stamping on rail tickets and other fare documents (乗車券類). The stamp may only be applied to the commemorative card sheet provided at the station or to a personal notebook or stamp book that you bring yourself.

Do I need to ride the Shiokaze or Nanpu to receive the card sheet?

The source does not require passengers to be riding either the Shiokaze or Nanpu to receive the commemorative card sheet. Distribution is at the ticket gate of Iyo-Saijo Station, which serves all Yosan Line trains, including local and rapid services. However, access to the ticket gate area typically requires a valid fare or station entry.

What happens between Phase 1 and Phase 2? Is there a gap?

There is no gap. Phase 1 ends on September 30, 2026 (Wednesday), and Phase 2 begins the following day on October 1, 2026 (Thursday). The card sheet design changes at this transition, but distribution continues without interruption.

Can I obtain the card sheet by mail or at other JR Shikoku stations?

The source does not mention any mail-order or multi-station distribution. The commemorative card sheets are stated to be available exclusively at Iyo-Saijo Station's ticket gate. For additional distribution options, check the official special website, which may contain supplementary information not included in the press release.

Official Source

This article was compiled based solely on the official JR Shikoku press release dated May 1, 2026. Details not specified in the source — including cost, daily distribution limits, and multi-station availability — have been noted as unconfirmed. For the most current information, consult the source URL or the official special website linked above.

Planning a trip on the Yosan Line or riding the Shiokaze limited express through Shikoku? Visit our Iyo-Saijo Station guide for platform information, connections, and nearby facilities. For broader Shikoku travel planning, see our guide to railway stamp collecting in Shikoku.