Let's make a hanko if you work in Japan! Explains the necessity of a hanko and how to make one!
In Japan, it is customary to stamp a hanko (seal) on various occasions, such as when mail arrives or when signing a contract.
Many foreigners wonder, "Since the person is signing the form, shouldn't there be no need for a hanko?" Many foreigners wonder, "Since the person is signing the document, shouldn't there be no need for a stamp?
Therefore, foreigners who work and live in Japan should have a personal stamp made.
In this issue, we will explain the need for stamps, how they are made, and the future demand for stamps.
What is a stamp used in Japan?
In other countries, people use a pen to sign when they receive something or make a contract, but in Japan, they stamp a hanko with their name engraved on it.
In Japan, three types of hanko are used depending on the occasion.
- Jitsuin
- Bank seal (ginkouin)
- Seal for approval (mitomein)
officially registered seal
A personal seal is the most important seal.
It is used only for important contracts, such as the purchase or sale of a house or land, or the establishment of a company.
A personal seal is not to be shared with family members, but to be owned by an individual and used for life.
Register your seal at the municipal office, and do not carry it with you except for important contracts, and keep it in a safe at home.
Men generally use a round seal with a diameter of 15mm to 18mm, and women a 13.5mm to 15mm, but be sure to choose a hanko that suits you according to the size of your hand and the number of letters in your name.
seal used for bank transactions
A bank seal is a seal used to open a bank account and for procedures at the bank counter. A seal registered with a financial institution is treated as a bank seal.
This is an important seal for managing your money. Do not share it with family members and own a personal one.
Bank seals are smaller than jitsuin, and are generally round seals with a diameter of 13.5mm to 15mm for men and 12mm to 13.5mm for women.
unofficial and unregistered personal seal
A certified seal is a seal used as a confirming signature in daily life.
Mainly used for receiving mail, documents to be submitted to schools, circulars, etc.
If you are making a seal for work, a certified seal is fine.
A family name is recommended if you are making a certified seal because it can be shared with family members.
What situations will it be used in?
This section explains the situations in which each type of stamp is used.
officially registered seal
Basically, a personal seal is used only when a real seal is requested.
When a personal seal is stamped, it is often required to be accompanied by a certificate of seal registration.
The main situations in which a personal seal is used are as follows
- Buying and Selling Real Estate
- Buying and selling automobiles
- rental agreement
- Inheritance, etc.
seal used for bank transactions
Bank seals are used for banking procedures.
The main situations in which a bank seal is used are as follows
- Account Opening
- Direct debit procedure
- Withdrawals at bank counters, etc.
unofficial and unregistered personal seal
You may use an unregistered seal in all cases except when you are asked to use your personal seal or bank seal.
The main situations in which a certified seal is used are as follows
- Mail Receipt Signature
- curriculum vitae
- employment contract
- Notification of marriages, births, etc. to government offices, etc.
How to make a stamp
Stamps can be made at a stamp shop or on the Internet.
The process for making a stamp is as follows.
- Go to a stamp shop
- Selecting a stamp material
- Select the size of stamp
- Have your name engraved in the font of your choice (3 days to 1 week)
- receive a stamp
!!! Notes!
A registered seal must be registered at the municipal office where the address is located, and there are restrictions on which hanko can be registered.
Stamps that can be registered are as follows
- Diameter 8mm to 25mm
- something with a border
- Name or common name as it appears on the certificate of residence
- Katakana seals must be registered in katakana at the municipal office
Since the seals that can be registered may differ depending on the municipal office, please inquire about the seals that can be registered at the municipal office before making your seal.
Stamp Dealers
Here are some recommended stamp stores that can make foreign stamps.
Shibuya Hankodo
Located about a 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station, Shibuya Hankodo is convenient when you need a stamp in a hurry, as some items can be picked up the same day.
The average price at Shibuya Hankodo ranges from 2,000 yen to 3,000 yen.
English Version Shibuya-hanko dou TOKYO JAPAN:http://shibuya-hanko.com/english-version/
Rakuzen-do (school of Buddhism)
Rakuzen-do is a long-established stamp store established in 1899.
With our many achievements and extensive experience, we are able to create high-quality stamps that will last a lifetime.
The average price for Rakuzen-do ranges from 5,000 yen to 20,000 yen.
INKAN - Japanese namestamp:https://www.name-stamp.tokyo/
Hankoya 21
Hankoya 21 is a stamp chain with stores throughout Japan.
The average price at Hankoya 21 ranges from 5,000 yen to 20,000 yen.
Hankoya 21:https://www.hanko21.co.jp/
Hanko Wholesale Center
Hanko Wholesale Center is a popular stamp store for its "fast, cheap, and courteous" service.
The average price at the Hanko Wholesale Center ranges from 3,000 yen to 6,000 yen.
Hanko Wholesale Center Shinjuku] is a hanko shop in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo:https://www.hankowa.jp/osj.html
Ito Inbo
Ito Inbo is a stamp store where female craftsmen make each seal by hand.
You can create a one-of-a-kind seal.
The average price of an Ito Jimbo ranges from 8,000 yen to 50,000 yen.
Ito Inbou:https://www.ito-inbo.com/
Future demand for stamps in Japan
In recent years, electronic contracts and electronic signatures have been increasing in Japan, and "de-hanko" has been progressing.
Nevertheless, there are still many situations in which a hanko is used, such as for confirmation signatures at the workplace and for various procedures.
It is possible that the use of stamps will gradually disappear in the future, but it is unlikely that the use of stamps will disappear completely right now.
summary
In this issue, we explained the necessity of stamps and how to make them.
The act of stamping is a sign that "I have checked it properly.
For foreigners, the Japanese stamp culture may seem pointless, but those who want to work or live in Japan for a long time should understand the necessity of stamps and use them correctly.
