Whereas at least a few of the S3 - Essen 2004 United Nations personalized sheets were made available by UNPA to collectors, and most of the S2- Hong Kong Stamp Expo were purchased directly by collectors, the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake sheet was primarily given out to dignitaries attending the 10th anniversary event. Thus, the only way to obtain a sheet was to purchase it on the secondary market from a non-collector. Needless to say, this has been difficult due to the dispersion of the sheets, and since only 1,000 sheets were printed.
All of the same print characteristics, other than the labels and selvage, are identical to the previous three sheets and the basic stamps are still Scott 853-857. The sheet was initially released on 17 January 2005. Photo credit is stated on the sheet itself: Luminarie photo credit: Valerio Festi/I & F, Inc./Kobe Luminarie O.C. The beautifully lit Kobe Luminarie has been held every year to symbolize the ongoing restoration and reconstruction of Kobe following the devastation of 1995's Great Hanshin Earthquake. It is a cultural event encompassing art, music, etc.
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