If you want to work in Japan, make a stamp! Explaining the necessity of stamps and how to make them!
In Japan, there is a custom of stamping on various occasions such as when mail arrives or when signing a contract.
Many foreigners wonder, ``I don't need a stamp since I'm the person signing it, right?'' However, in Japan, stamp culture is still deeply rooted and is an essential part of daily life.
Therefore, foreigners working and living in Japan should make a personal stamp.
This time, we will explain the necessity of stamps, how to make them, and the future demand for stamps.
What is a stamp used in Japan?
In foreign countries, people use a pen to sign when receiving goods or signing contracts, but in Japan they use a stamp with their name engraved on it.
In Japan, three types of stamps are used depending on the occasion.
- Jitsuin
- Bank seal (ginkouin)
- Mitomein
registered seal
A registered seal is the most important seal.
It is only used when making important contracts such as buying and selling houses or land, or establishing a company.
A registered seal is not shared with family members, but is kept privately and used for a lifetime.
Register your seal at the local government office and keep it in your safe at home, and do not carry it with you unless you are signing an important contract.
For men, a round stamp with a diameter of 15 mm to 18 mm is common, and for women, a circle stamp with a diameter of 13.5 mm to 15 mm is common, but please choose the stamp that suits you according to the size of your hands and the number of letters in your name.
bank seal
A bank seal is a seal used when opening a bank account or completing procedures at a bank counter. A seal registered with a financial institution is treated as a bank seal.
It is an important seal for managing your money. Do not share it with your family, keep it private.
Bank seals are smaller than registered seals, and are generally round stamps with a diameter of 13.5 mm to 15 mm for men and 12 mm to 13.5 mm for women.
Seal
A seal is a seal used as a confirmation sign in daily life.
It is mainly used for receiving mail, documents to be submitted to school, circulation boards, etc.
If you are making a seal for work, there is no problem with a registered seal.
If you are creating a personal seal, we recommend using a family name because you can share it with your family.
In what situations is it used?
We will explain the situations in which each type of stamp is used.
registered seal
Generally, a registered seal is only used when a registered seal is requested.
When stamping a registered seal, it is often necessary to attach a seal registration certificate.
The main situations where a registered seal is used are as follows.
- Buying and selling real estate
- Buying and selling cars
- rental agreement
- inheritance, etc.
bank seal
Bank seals are used in bank procedures.
The main situations where bank seals are used are as follows.
- account opening
- Account withdrawal procedure
- Withdrawals at bank counters, etc.
Seal
You may use a registered seal or a bank seal in all cases except when a registered seal or bank seal is requested.
The main situations in which a seal is used are as follows.
- mail receipt sign
- resume
- employment agreement
- Notifications to government offices such as marriage registration and birth registration etc.
How to make a stamp
Stamps can be made at a stamp shop or online.
The process of making a stamp is as follows.
- go to a stamp shop
- Choose the stamp material
- Choose stamp size
- Have your name engraved in your desired font (about 3 days to 1 week)
- receive a stamp
! important point!
Registered seals must be registered at the municipal office where you live, and there are rules regarding the types of stamps that can be registered.
Stamps that can be registered are as follows.
- Diameter 8mm to 25mm
- something with edges
- Full name or common name listed on the resident record
- For katakana seals, you must register the katakana notation at the counter at the municipal office.
The types of seals that can be registered may differ depending on the municipal office, so please inquire at the municipal office about the types of seals that can be registered before making a seal.
Stamp store
We will introduce recommended stamp shops where you can make stamps for foreigners.
Shibuya Hankodo
Shibuya Hankodo, located about a 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station, is convenient if you need a stamp in a hurry, as some products can be picked up on the same day.
The average price at Shibuya Hankodo is 2,000 yen to 3,000 yen.
English Version Shibuya-hanko dou TOKYO JAPAN: http://shibuya-hanko.com/english-version/
Rakuzendo
Rakuzendo is a long-established stamp store founded in 1899.
With our extensive track record and extensive experience, we are able to create high-quality stamps that will last a lifetime.
The average price at Rakuzendo is 5,000 yen to 20,000 yen.
INKAN – Japanese namestamp: https://www.name-stamp.tokyo/
Stamp shop 21
Stamp Shop 21 is a stamp chain store with stores all over the country.
The average price at Stamp Shop 21 is 5,000 yen to 20,000 yen.
Hankoyasan 21: https://www.hanko21.co.jp/
stamp wholesale center
Hanko Wholesale Center is a popular stamp store that is ``fast, cheap, and courteous.''
The average price at Hanko Wholesale Center is 3,000 yen to 6,000 yen.
Seals are available at Hankoya in Shinjuku Ward [Stamp Wholesale Center Shinjuku Store]: https://www.hankowa.jp/osj.html
Ito Inbo
Ito Inbo is a stamp shop where female craftsmen make each seal by hand.
You can create your one and only seal in the world.
The average price of Ito Inbo is 8,000 yen to 50,000 yen.
Ito Inbo: https://www.ito-inbo.com/
Future demand for stamps in Japan
In recent years, electronic contracts and electronic signatures have increased in Japan as well, and the move away from stamps is progressing.
However, there are still many situations where stamps are used for confirmation signs and various procedures in the workplace.
It is possible that stamps will gradually disappear in the future, but it is unlikely that stamps will completely disappear any time soon.
summary
This time, we explained the necessity of stamps and how to make them.
The act of pressing a stamp is a sign that "I have checked properly."
The Japanese stamp culture may seem meaningless to foreigners, but those who want to work or live in Japan for a long time should understand the necessity of stamps and use them correctly.
