About HANKO
What is HANKO?
do foreigners need a hanko in Japan
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When do I use a HANKO?
The HANKO (seal) impression stamped on contracts and application forms is treated as proof that "the person has agreed to the contents." In Japan, where the culture of signatures was not strong, seals have traditionally fulfilled this role.
A signature alone doesn't prove that the document was signed by the person who signed it. There's a possibility that someone could forge a contract with your signature, which could be detrimental to you (such as having debts incurred without your consent or being entered into an unfair contract). To prevent this, you can protect your assets by using your own personal seal.
The main uses are:
● Employment contracts when starting a job
● Opening a bank account
● When reading documents that are circulated
● Sales contracts when buying a house, car, etc.
● Contracts when borrowing money from a bank, etc.
What kind of stamp is it?
There are three types of personal seals (hanko) depending on their purpose.
● Mitome-in (for Job)
Used when receiving a package or confirming that you have read and reviewed a document.
→ Often made with your last name.
● Ginkou-in (for Financial Institutions)
This seal is registered with the financial institution when opening an account at a bank or other financial institution. Since this registered seal acts as a key to the safe, avoid using it for everyday purposes.
→ Made with either your last name or personal name.
● Jitsu-in (for Contract Documents)
Used on contracts when renting or buying real estate such as a house or car.
Register your seal at the local government office where your residence is registered.
→ Made with your full name, last name only, or personal name only. The characters are basically made using "katakana" or "hiragana".
Registration is not possible with only a middle name.
↓The following website is helpful, so please take a look. Since it's a Japanese website, please use a translation tool to read it.
Regarding the Seal Registration Procedure and Seal Registration Certificate for Foreign Individuals | Foreign Employment and Work Visa Station
Do I really need to make three different kinds?
That's a tricky one.
If you're only staying in Japan for a short time and plan to move back to your home country or another country in a few years, then a Mitome-in and Ginko-in might be sufficient. However, even after leaving Japan, adding a stamp next to your name when writing letters or postcards will enhance the overall feel. So please use them carefully.
Conversely, if you plan to spend most of your life in Japan, then using all three types of stamps, like a Japanese person, is a good idea.
To reiterate, stamps play a key role. Let's create the perfect stamp for you by consulting with us at the stamp shop. We won't pressure you into buying expensive items, so please feel free to visit us.
*Our staff only speaks Japanese, so if possible, please come with someone who speaks Japanese to ensure a smooth ordering process.
HANKO Shopping PAGE
Points to note when placing an order
■Before ordering, if you have any questions, please be sure to include the following information when contacting us by email:
* What will the stamp be used for?
→ Work, bank account opening, contract
■When ordering, if it is difficult to write your address in kanji, you may write it in English. After completing your order, please send us the following information by email:
1. Order number
2. Order date and time
3. Your name
4. Image of your residence card (only the name and address section)
*Please mask off the other parts of the image.
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