If you plan on moving to Japan for work, you’re going to become very familiar with the classic line, “You need a Hanko in Japan!” Hanko is basically the infamous stamp seal used for every official signature situation (signing an apartment lease, opening a new bank account, etc.). But as a foreigner venturing into the Japanese bureaucracy for the first time, I guarantee the whole hanko concept may feel strange at first.
Questions bubble up immediately, what exactly IS a hanko, and do I actually need one as a foreigner in Japan? How do I use the little wooden or plastic stamp correctly so I don’t make an ink blob mess out of important documents? And how much do these custom engraved seals even cost anyway?!
I went through the same uncertainties about these hanko stamps when I first moved to Tokyo years ago. So whether you’re still planning your big move to Japan for work or already landed at Narita on your new adventure abroad, this comprehensive hanko guide will walk you through everything from phrases in the Japanese language for ordering your own signature seal to the types on hanko.
Table of Contents
What Is A Hanko In Japan?
In short, a hanko (sometimes called an inkan) is like a handwritten signature carved into a wooden or plastic stamp. But unlike scribbling your John Hancock on American documents, in Japan, you bust out your customized hanko seal to sign off on any major event, from signing an apartment lease to setting up a new bank account.
These little stamps act as your official signature to stamp & approve everything from signing for packages at your door to invoices for your freelance graphic design biz. Hanko seals come inked up on handy portable pads, ready to make their stamped mark wherever needed.
Hanko stamps are actually divided into a few different categories based on exactly what you’ll be signing:
- Jitsu-in (実印) – The “real/official” seal registered with your local ward office used for signing legal contracts and official documents like apartment leases or paperwork at city hall.
- Ginko-in (銀行印) – Your exclusive “bank stamp” registered with your Japanese bank to use when opening a new account or transferring money.
- Mitome-in (認印) – An informal “acknowledgment stamp” used for everyday situations like signing for deliveries or stamping freelance invoices.
Do I Need A Hanko Seal?
So, do you reaaaaally need to get your own customized hanko seal made as a foreigner living in Japan? Great question.
The answer depends on how deeply you’ll be diving into work and life in Japan. If you’re just visiting as a tourist or on a short term stay, you can probably get by using your good ol’ handwritten signature when needed.
But for those settling in Japan long-term, especially taking the plunge into Japanese work life, having your own hanko becomes non-negotiable. Without one, you can expect frustrating speed bumps signing official paperwork or lengthy pauses from behind the bank counter glass with raised eyebrows every time you try to sign on the dotted line. However, there is some recent debate regarding hanko’s usage today.
When I was working in a public school in Sumida, I do remember that they required employees to sign in and out with a registered hanko seal each workday. Also, I remember using it most of the time for banking-related transactions since I chose to open an account with Japan Post Bank (Japan’s largest financial institution). So yep, if you ask me, getting your very own Japanese name stamp is useful and can also double as a memorabilia.
How To Get Your Own Hanko?
Luckily, getting your own inked stamp creation is a smooth process across Japan. Head to any local store with a sign reading “はんこ” in Japanese characters and place your order for personalized carving. The awesome part is most hanko shops have experience serving eager foreign customers too.
If you’re feeling adventurous diving into Japanese bureaucracy, chat up the counter staff directly to place your order. But no Japanese skills? No problem, many spots like Tokyo Hanko guarantee English support guiding you through choosing seal material, size, engraving style, and turnaround time.
Beyond standalone hanko shops, you can also design seals on the spot at department stores like Tokyu Hands. Some Don Quijote stores even have vending machine-style hanko makers for instant gratification! With super common Japanese names like Watanabe on your residence card, a 100 yen shop seal could work as well.
Online shops like Hankoya are also great for buying engraved hanko straight from your smartphone. And prices range wildly too…
For a simple plastic personal seal, expect to invest ¥1,000 – ¥2,000. Going all out on luxurious exotic wood or stone materials, the sky’s the limit up to ¥30,000+! But a word to the wise – shelling out more yen doesn’t get you higher quality bureau paperwork processing. Stick to standard plastic or wood, and your hanko will work just fine!
Easy Phrases For Getting A Japanese Stamp
Asking The Shop Staff For Help
The key phrase you’ll want to memorize is “hanko o kaitai desu” (判子を買いたいです). This simply means, “I want to buy a stamp seal.” Bust out this key sentence as soon as you walk into an engraving shop to cue you need assistance.
Choosing Your Hanko Material
Next up is picking your engraving material – plastic or wood? Go for “purasuchikku no hanko o onegai shimasu” (プラスチックの判子をお願いします) to request an affordable classic plastic seal. Or try “mokuzai no hanko” (木材の判子) if you fancy an elegant wooden stamp.
Deciding On Logo Options
Hanko seals come either laser engraved or hand carved – “reesaa ga kizami” (レーザーが刻み) for crisp laser work or “tezuride kizamu” (手刻み) for that rustic human-powered charm. Then impress staff by specifying personalization with “boku no namae o kizamu” (僕の名前を刻む) – carve my name, please!
Paying The Counter
Finally, it’s time to complete your hanko transaction! When rung up and ready to pay, just smile and say “okane o haraimasu!” (お金を払います) – I’ll pay the money! Simple as that – you just secured your ticket to official Japanese paperwork and contracts!
Learn Japanese With Ling
And there you have it – everything you need to know to unlock the secrets of hanko in Japan as a foreign resident! If you’re hungry for more everyday Japanese language skills, be sure to check out the Ling app! Ling offers bite-sized lessons and quizzes so you can level up your practical travel and life language at your own pace.
Whether you’re still planning your big move to Japan or already living that Tokyo life, using Ling is a fun and easy way to understand more natural conversations. Download the app now to learn essential phrases for making local friends, ordering amazing food, and smoothly navigating all those official hanko moments in your new life abroad!
