When something is attractive and small, has a standard format with variable features and is in mass circulation,
it is a natural collectible...
LIKE ILLUSTRATED TELEPHONE CARDS FROM JAPAN.

Well...telephone cards have charmed Japanese collectors with an expanding variety of images,
giving them a status similar to that of commemorative stamps, baseball cards and Japanese movie tickets.

Such phone cards exist in many countries, but Japan arguably boasts the richest variety and the most dedicated collectors.

The cards trade actively in the secondary market, where prized designs fetch high prices.

The 5.4-by-8.6 centimeter (2.12-by-3.38 inch) cards are used in public telephones
and carry prepaid values of either 500 yen (about $5) or 1,050 yen, allowing for 50 or 105 minutes of local calls.

The majority of public pay telephones in Japan accept the cards and some are designed only for them.
Telephone cards, commonly known as teleka in Japanese, are divided into two categories:
ready-made ones issued by Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Co. (NTT) and those designed by private companies.

Since 1982, about 2 million types of cards have been issued and, of course, used.
Premiums are often paid for cards, favored by collectors, because there are only a few unused cards.

The number of cards issued at the time was relatively small, and many of them have since been used,
which significantly reduces a card's value to collectors.

Pictures on telephone cards range from a generic photo of Japanese scenes...to movie posters
and now to a recent genre of cards attracting collectors - cartoon drawings, aka, anime, manga and fantasy in Japanese,
which are commanding a huge following.

The growing use of cellular phones will reduce the need for telephone cards,
and smart cards are due to eventually replace the existing magnetically processed cards.
 
Most collectors. however, believe telephone cards will enhance their value as they become more scarce.

From NAUSICAA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND

GETTING VERY HARD TO FIND

PRINCESS NAUSICAA IN BATTLE

UNUSED TELEPHONE CARD

©Nibariki ©1984 Studio Ghibli
 By Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Co.

This NTT Series Card is a limited edition Japanese Telephone Card featuring Princess Nausicaa
from the 1982 manga by Hayao Miyazaki, NAUSICAA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND .
The card was produced by Isao Takahata/Topcraft and directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
It was released in 1984, and has never been used, making it a great addition to any collection of anime
and manga merchandise.
Measuring 8.6 cm in length by 5.4 cm in width and standing at 8.6 cm in height,
this plastic card is multicolored and showcases the character Princess Nausicaa
in her iconic blue outfit and her aviator hat traveling on her meve.
The card was distributed by Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Co.
and is a premier item for fans of Japanese animated fantasy films.
Shipping is available for a flat rate of $5.00 in the continental USA.

instead of possibly months from overseas sellers - not to mention
who knows what the package will look like when you get it.
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All of our telephone cards are made in Japan, printed in Japan
and originated from Japan.
They are the original telephone cards.
We do not sell fakes, counterfits or pirated goods.