Hanko - The importance of personal seals in Japan

But what is a Hanko and why is it so important in Japan? Let’s find out in this article with GoEMON! 

1. What is a Hanko?

In Japan, Hanko refers to a carved stamp that can be for identification and authentication purposes in replacement of traditional signatures. These personal seals are traditionally made of wood and are typically engraved with an individual’s name (sometimes special symbols) and are used to stamp on official documents, contracts, personal papers, and so on.

The history of Hanko runs deep and dates back to the first century CE when a gold seal - the hanko, was given to a Japanese ruler by the Chinese emperor. The seal soon became popular among the emperor family, the aristocracy, and the samurai class over the centuries. It was not until the Meiji period with the introduction of a national system of certification that the use of Hanko was widespread among the common people and remains to be so even today.

2. Different types of Hanko and when to use them

There are generally 3 different types of Hanko:  

1. Jitsu-in (実印): This is the highest level of Hanko in terms of formality and importance. It is used to conduct business and important legally binding events, such as marriage, house contracts, and so on. These seals are also registered with the authorities at the city hall or local ward office, which comes with an official certificate showing the proof of registration. 
2. Mitome-in (認印): This seal does not have to be registered and thus is less formal than the jitsu-in. Mitomein can be used for all sorts of situations, such as confirmation for postal deliveries, utility bill payments, or approving internal company documents.
3. Ginko-in (銀行印): As can be inferred from the name itself, this seal is specifically used for bank affairs. 

Aside from these personal seals, companies in Japan will also have their own special corporate Hanko.

3.  How to get your own Hanko

If you are a foreigner living in Japan, chances are that you would not need a Hanko, as most places do accept signatures. But many people still do just in case some urgent situation where you absolutely have to use a Hanko comes up. 

You can get your own Hanko made in Japan at any Hankoya, or Hanko shops in English. It should only take a few days after ordering before you can receive your seal. 

Hanko is also sold in 100 yen stores like Daiso or Seria, but they can only be used in informal circumstances and not as Jitsu-in and Mitome-in. And as Hanko is a very Japan-specific thing, only seals with common Japanese names would be available for sale.

One quick and cheap option for those who want to get an actual usable seal is to get one at the Hanko machines available at Donquihote. You can customize the size, material, font, and words for your seal! It also comes with an additional case and only takes around 20 minutes to make. 

4. Hanko in Japanese culture 

With its history deeply rooted in Japan’s development over the decades, there is no doubt that Hanko is an indispensable part of the country’s culture. Through the centuries, the use of Hanko has been passed down from generation to generation and is still present in the country even today. This small seal is the representation of one’s personal identity, responsibility, and commitment. Not only that, Hanko is also a traditional art form and craft that is of paramount importance in Japan. 

5. The future of Hanko

In recent years there has been much criticism towards the use of Hanko. Many are of the idea that Hanko is part of an outdated system that is time-consuming and inefficient, as people need to go through the lengthy process of obtaining the physical document, stamping it themselves, and then sending the documents back. The situation is all the more true during the Covid pandemic when employees would have to commute all the way to their office to stamp some papers even though they are permitted to work from home or worse, not being allowed to work remotely due to the need to process and approve physical documents. 

On the other hand, those supporting the use of Hanko believe that these personal seals mean much more than just something you use to identify yourself. Hanko marks all the most crucial moments in a person’s life, from purchasing cars and buying apartments to life milestones such as getting married and having a child. Thus, its emotional value is immeasurable and is something that could not, as well as should not, be replaced so easily. 

What do you think about Japan’s Hanko culture? Let us know in the comments down below!

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