The hanko, or Japanese stamp, is equivalent to a signature and is used to complete a variety of important processes, such as getting an apartment or opening a bank account. It is the nation’s traditional way of establishing a person’s identity. If you are moving to Japan, you might want to create your own hanko in the first month you land!
So, what exactly is a hanko, and why do you need it for living in Japan? How do you create one? Let’s find out everything you need to know, from what you use it for to how you can get it.
What is a Japanese Hanko?
The Japanese hanko, also known as 印鑑 (inkan), is a small, personalized stamp or seal used as a signature on official documents such as contracts. It leaves a round, oval, or even square stamp of your first or last name in English, katakana, or even kanji. Japanese natives and certain people who use Chinese characters usually use hanko with kanji. It’s only around 2 cm
Hanko has been used in Japan since ancient times as a personal seal to prove authenticity. Important historical figures such as emperors, shoguns, and samurai used them to approve and sign official documents. So, despite Japan’s advanced technology, the hanko is a testament to a historically traditional practice of record-keeping and confirming people’s official identities, which is still in use today, though it isn’t as common as before.
But keep in mind that there are different types of hanko, and the one you use for official processes needs to be registered.
Different Types of Japanese Hanko
Not all hanko are created equal; the type you use depends entirely on the situation. Some are used for everyday casual purposes, while others carry serious legal weight and need to be officially registered. Here is a breakdown of the main types you need to know about:
1. 実印 (Jitsuin): Registered Seal
The 実印 is the most important type of hanko and the one that carries the most legal significance. It is the hanko you register with your local municipal office (city hall), and once registered, it becomes your official personal seal, legally equivalent to your signature on important documents. You will need your jitsuin for major life events such as purchasing property, signing a lease, buying a car, or taking out a loan.
When you use your jitsuin for official purposes, you will often need to present it alongside an 印鑑証明書 (inkan shoumeisho) or seal certificate, which is an official document issued by your city hall that confirms your registered seal is genuine. You can obtain this certificate at your local city hall or through a convenience store using your My Number Card.
2. 銀行印 (Ginkouin): Bank Seal
The 銀行印 is a hanko registered specifically with your bank and used for banking-related procedures, such as opening an account or authorizing transactions. While it is technically possible to use the same hanko as your 実印 for your bank seal, it is generally recommended to keep them separate for security reasons. If your 銀行印 is ever lost or compromised, you do not want your official registered seal to be affected as well.
3. 認印 (Mitomein): Everyday Seal
The mitomein is the most commonly used type of hanko in daily life. It does not need to be registered anywhere and is used for lower-stakes situations such as receiving a package, signing off on internal work documents, or acknowledging everyday paperwork. Because it is unregistered, it does not carry the same legal weight as a jitsuin or ginkoin, but it is a handy everyday item to have around. You can pick up a basic mitomein at most convenience stores, stationery shops, or 100 yen stores, often pre-made with common Japanese surnames.
4. シャチハタ (Shachihata): Ink Stamp Seal
シャチハタ is technically a brand name, but it has become the generic term for self-inking rubber stamps used in everyday situations. Unlike other hanko types, シャチハタ have a built-in ink pad and do not require a separate one. They are extremely convenient for everyday use but are not accepted for any official or legal procedures, so they cannot be used as a substitute for your jitsuin or ginkoin.
For most official processes, you will only need the official jitsuin stamp, since even most banks would accept it, although it’s recommended to get the ginkoin.
What Name Should You Use for Your Hanko?
If you’re Japanese, choosing a hanko name is simple. You just use your surname, which usually consists of two or three kanji characters. But if you’re a foreigner with a non-Japanese name, the answer isn’t as obvious. Should you use your first name or last name? Katakana or the Roman alphabet?
The good news: foreigners actually have more flexibility here than you might expect.
Many foreign residents choose to use their katakana first name on their hanko, simply because in Western naming order, the first name comes first. Others prefer to stick with their last name, especially if it feels more “official.”
Some Coto Academy staff even use their first name purely for practical reasons: it’s shorter than their surname, and therefore easier (and cheaper) to have carved.
The general rule of thumb is that as long as part of your real, legal name appears on the hanko, it should be accepted — whether that’s your first name, last name, or both. If your full name is too long to fit, you can usually simplify it, as long as what’s engraved still matches your registered name.
Regarding the use of your name for jitsuin (registered seal) or ginkoin (bank seal), however, there are a few important caveats.
- You can register the same hanko as both your jitsuin and your ginkoin.
- You do not actually need a hanko for everyday things like signing for package deliveries — a pen signature works fine.
- Names are typically written in katakana, though this can depend on your ward office and your juminhyo (residence record).
Rules around hanko names for foreigners aren’t standardized nationwide. A few practical tips:
Check with your local city hall before ordering your hanko, especially regarding partial names.
If your juminhyo has your name in the Roman alphabet, you’ll likely need to register a katakana equivalent. But don’t worry, the staff at the counter will usually help you figure out the correct reading.
If you’re registering an English-alphabet hanko, this katakana step is typically skipped.
When in doubt, using your full first name (or full last name) rather than an abbreviated version will save you a trip back to the hanko shop.
When Do You Use a Hanko?
Hanko is most commonly needed for signing official contracts. For instance, when you sign your apartment contract, you will need to use your hanko as an official seal indicating that you agree to the terms. It’s also often necessary for work contracts, opening a bank account, or completing official processes in general.
When you visit the city hall, it’s always good to bring your hanko since certain processes may need it or prefer it. The hanko is essential in daily life in Japan and can even be used to confirm your identity for various purposes. But note that it’s being phased out for many uses, and often a written signature is sufficient for lower-risk tasks like confirming your identity when you receive a package.
Where and How Can You Create a Hanko?
As a foreigner living in Japan, you will most likely need to get a custom hanko made for you, and the good news is you can do most of it online and pick it up at the place that makes the seal. There used to be a wide range of specialized hankoya or hanko shops; however, it’s much easier to find automated hanko-making machines in big chain stores such as Don Quixote. Making hankos there tends to be much cheaper, and there are still some customizations available, such as the material and if you want to write your name in kanji or English letters.
However, if you want full customization and a hanko made from a sturdier material that’ll go the distance (especially if you plan to settle in Japan), going to a specialized store would be preferable. You can find a store just about everywhere in Japan, but they are decreasing.
When creating a hanko, you will first need to choose the material that will have the greatest impact on the final price. Many offer more expensive metals, but wood hankos tend to be the most affordable and are more reliable than plastic ones. One thing to keep in mind is that ivory hankos made from elephant trunks are still being produced, so those are best avoided for a cruelty-free product. Afterward, you will need to decide how you would like your name to be carved on the hanko.
How to Create a Hanko With a Non-Japanese Name
You can choose to carve your name in English, hiragana, katakana, or kanji on your hanko; there generally aren’t any rules as long as your name is written in any of those languages. However, you will need to keep in mind that the hanko is very small, so here are some things to consider:
- Your full name probably won’t fit, so it’s better to choose either your first or last name
- If your first or last name is rather long, you can opt for a nickname, initials, or even kanji
- Carving your name in kanji might be preferable if you plan to live in Japan long-term (you can use a kanji converter for your name)
If you go to a store, you can show how you’d like your name to look on the hanko, and some stores may even provide a mock design. If you order from an online store, you can write out the name you want and choose from different designs.
Registering You Hanko with Your City Office
Once you receive your hanko, you will need to take it to your local city or ward office to officially register it. This will allow you to use it for various official procedures you will need to complete with the Japanese government and other institutions, such as your employer, university, or Japanese language school. So here are some things you will need to bring:
- Residence Card
- My Number Card
- Hanko
When you register your seal, you will need to fill out a short form and pay a small fee to complete the registration process. The process is pretty simple, although you do have to visit your local city office in person; there is no way to do this online.
Price of Japanese Hanko
As mentioned, hanko prices can vary widely depending on the materials used. The cheapest hanko generally is just a few hundred yen, while the most expensive can be upwards of ¥40,000. Let’s take a quick look at some common materials and some prices you might expect:
| Material | Price |
| Plastic/Rubber | ¥100 – ¥1,000 |
| Wood | ¥3,000 – ¥15,000 |
| Metal/Titanium | ¥12,000 – ¥30,000 |
| Precious Stone/Crystal | ¥30,000 – ¥150,000~ |
Do You Need a Hanko? And Alternatives to Hanko
As a foreigner, you won’t necessarily need a hanko, as many businesses and official offices often don’t expect foreigners to sign with one, particularly in bigger cities. It’s also worth noting that the hanko has been gradually phasing out for many procedures in recent years, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated Japan’s push toward digital processes.
So, oftentimes, for foreigners (and even Japanese these days), official procedures can accept alternatives to the hanko.
1. Written signature (サイン, sain)
For many lower-stakes situations, such as receiving a package, signing off on casual documents, or even some contracts, a handwritten signature is now completely accepted and often preferred. If you do not have a hanko with you, a simple サインでいいですか？(sain de ii desu ka?) or “is a signature okay?” will usually do the trick.
2. Electronic signatures (電子署名, denshi shomei)
Many companies and government processes now accept electronic signatures via platforms such as DocuSign or Japan-specific services like クラウドサイン (CloudSign). This is particularly common in business settings where the shift away from paper-based processes has been significant.
3. My Number Card (マイナンバーカード)
As Japan continues to digitize its administrative processes, the My Number Card is increasingly being accepted as a form of identity verification in place of the hanko, particularly for online government procedures through the マイナポータル (Myna Portal) system.
That said, for major legal processes, such as registering property, signing a lease, or opening a bank account, the hanko may still be preferred (if not required) in many cases. So, it is not something you can avoid entirely as a foreign resident in Japan. Although bigger cities might be better equipped to accommodate foreigners and accept alternatives to the hanko, getting one will help you integrate better, and if you end up living in a smaller town, it will definitely come in handy.
Conclusion: Hanko are Essential for Daily Life in Japan
Hanko has been in use in Japan since ancient times, and it’s still essential for daily life today to complete official procedures and verify identity. Often, the organization that sponsors your visa, such as your employer or school, may help you with the process of obtaining your hanko. However, the process is quiet if you need to do it yourself, and it’s highly recommended to get one to make things go faster and more efficiently in Japan!
Find the Right Japanese School with Coto School Finder
Have you always dreamt of living in Japan and learning Japanese, but don’t know where to start? Coto School Finder can support you from start to finish, completely for free! Our team of expert coordinators will help you find the perfect Japanese language program to suit your goals and needs!
From the initial consultation to visa issuance, we’ll take care of everything. Simply fill out our inquiry form and get in touch with us today!
FAQ
When do you use hanko?
One of the most common and important uses of the hanko is by stamping official contracts such as for apartments, employment, and creating a bank account. Official procedures are when you would most likely need to use a hanko.
What is a hanko or inkan?
Hanko, also known as inkan, is a stamp or seal that is essentially used in the same way as a signature. It is used for completing official procedures and verifying your identity.
Hanko can cost anywhere from ¥100 to over ¥100,000, depending on the material. The cheapest hankos are made of plastic and are typically around ¥200 – ¥1,000; wooden ones can cost around ¥4,000 to ¥10,000, while metal and precious stone ones can cost over ¥10,000 – ¥150,000.
Do you need a hanko to live in Japan?
You don’t necessarily need a hanko to live in Japan since many official offices and businesses can accommodate foreigners and accept signatures. However, a hanko is still highly recommended since they are still preferred and will make certain processes easier in Japan especially if you live in a smaller town.