In our site, we present informative articles aimed at addressing the queries foreigners might encounter regarding the culture of Japanese seals, or “hanko.”
We offer a wide variety of hankos. We manufacture the seals you actually need in your life in Japan according to your specifications.
In Japan, personal seals, known as “hanko” 3, play a crucial role in legal and official matters. They are used as a form of signature and are considered more reliable than handwritten signatures in certain contexts 3. Here are some reasons why you might need a personal seal in Japan:
Legal Transactions: Personal seals are required for significant legal transactions such as real estate purchases, car registrations, and inheritance procedures 3.
Banking: Banks and other financial institutions often require the use of a personal seal for account transactions and official documents 3.
Official Documents: Many official documents, such as tax returns and legal contracts, require the use of a personal seal to validate them 3.
Cultural Significance: In Japan, the use of personal seals is deeply rooted in cultural practices and is often seen as a sign of authenticity and commitment 3.
Identification: Personal seals serve as a form of identification, especially in situations where a handwritten signature might be easily forged 3.
Everyday Use: While not legally required for all transactions, personal seals are commonly used in everyday situations such as signing for packages, confirming receipt of documents, and signing up for services 3.
Work-Related: In a professional setting, personal seals are used for various work-related documents and internal processes 3.
It’s important to note that the use of personal seals is a part of Japanese tradition and bureaucracy, and while there is a movement towards digitization and the use of electronic signatures, the personal seal remains a prevalent practice 23. If you are living in or moving to Japan, obtaining a personal seal is considered a necessary step for navigating daily life and official procedures 4.
Registering a seal, known as “inkan shomei” (印鑑登録) in Japan, is a formal process where an individual’s personal seal is registered with the local government office, usually the city or ward office where the person resides15912. This registered seal is referred to as “jitsu-in” (実印) and serves as an official and legal form of identification912. Here are some key points about registering a seal in Japan:
Legal Recognition: A registered seal carries legal weight and is recognized by various institutions, including banks and government agencies9.
Official Certificate: Upon registration, the individual receives an “inkan shomei shomei-sho” (印鑑証明書), which is a certificate that verifies the seal is registered and legitimate12.
Required for Important Documents: A registered seal is often required for signing important legal documents, such as real estate transactions, official registrations, and legal agreements912.
Unique to the Individual: Each person can have only one registered seal, and it must be unique to them9.
Change of Address: If a person moves to a different municipality, they must update the registration of their seal with the new local government office9.
Security: The registration process helps ensure the security and authenticity of the seal, making it difficult to forge or misuse9.
Bank Transactions: While not required for all bank transactions, some banks may request the use of a registered seal for certain operations9.
Cultural Significance: The practice of registering a seal is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and is considered a standard procedure for legal and official matters9.
Registering a seal is an important step for anyone living in Japan, as it provides a legally recognized form of identification and authentication for various official and legal processes912.
Insurance Matters: Purchasing various insurances such as health insurance, vehicle insurance, personal accident insurance, etc.
School and Education: Registering for school, obtaining student IDs, signing school-related documents, etc.
Medical Affairs: Applying for medical cards, signing medical authorization forms, etc.
Real Estate Transactions: Buying or selling properties, signing property purchase agreements, and related documents.
Certification Documents: Stamping or using seals to certify the authenticity of documents such as identity proofs, educational certificates, work experience certificates, etc.
Legal Proceedings: Signing legal documents, power of attorney forms, etc., during legal proceedings.
