神戸 印鑑専門店
hanko shop Kobe
HANKO for foreigners in Japan
What is HANKO?
In Japan, a Hanko (seal) is much more than just a stamp. It is regarded as your 'official identity,' carrying even more weight than a signature. Especially when registered with the government, your Hanko acts like a one-of-a-kind 'key' that secures your assets and legal rights. To prevent forgery, we carefully craft each seal with a unique design, ensuring it remains a distinct and irreplaceable proof of you.
Do foreigners need a hanko in Japan
Signatures can be imitated, leading to identity theft or financial loss. To protect yourself, Japan uses a system called "Inkan Toroku" (Seal Registration). By registering your unique, custom-engraved seal at the city office, you can ensure that only you can authorize major legal documents. It is the most secure way to protect your property and rights.
Types of seals and their roles
■ Personal Seal (Jitsuin)
A Jitsuin ( Hanko,Seal,Inkan ) is a personal stamp used in Japan instead of a signature.
When you stamp it on a various contractdocument, it means you agree to the contents.
You may need it when buying a house, a car, or signing legal documents.
■ Bank Seal (Ginkoin)
You may need it when opening or managing your bank account.
Safer than using your personal seal.
■ Everyday Seal (Mitomein)
A mitomein is a simple hanko for everyday use.
You can use it for receiving packages or casual paperwork.
Do I Need a Hanko in Japan? A Simple Guide for Foreigners
Living in Japan can be confusing, especially when it comes to paperwork.
（日本での生活は、特に書類関係が分かりにくいことがあります。）
One common question is: “Do I need a hanko?”
（よくある疑問が「印鑑は必要なの？」というものです。）
This guide will help you understand what a hanko is and when you need one.
（このガイドでは、印鑑とは何か、そしてどんな時に必要かをわかりやすく説明します。）
■ What is a Hanko?
A hanko is a personal stamp used in Japan instead of a signature.
（はんこは、日本で署名の代わりに使われる個人用の印鑑です。）
When you stamp it on a document, it means you agree to the contents.
（書類に押すことで、その内容に同意したことを意味します。）
■ Do Foreigners Need a Hanko?
Not always, but in many cases, it is useful.
（必ずしも必要ではありませんが、多くの場合あると便利です。）
Some banks and services still require a hanko.
（銀行や一部のサービスでは、今でも印鑑が必要な場合があります。）
It is safer and easier to have one if you live in Japan.
（日本で生活するなら、持っていると安心で便利です。）
■ When Do You Need a Hanko?
You may need a hanko for:
（以下のような場面で必要になることがあります。）
Opening a bank account
（銀行口座の開設）
Signing contracts
（契約書への署名）
Receiving packages
（荷物の受け取り）
Renting an apartment
（賃貸契約）
■ Types of Hanko
Personal Seal (Jitsuin)
（実印）
Used for important contracts and official registration.
（重要な契約や登録に使用します。）
Bank Seal (Ginkoin)
（銀行印）
Used for bank accounts and financial procedures.
（銀行口座や金融手続きに使用します。）
Everyday Seal (Mitomein)
（認印）
Used for daily tasks like receiving packages.
（日常的な用途に使われます。）
■ Can Foreigners Make a Hanko?
Yes, foreigners can easily make a hanko in Japan.
（外国人でも日本で簡単に印鑑を作れます。）
You can use your name in:
（名前は以下の形式で刻印できます。）
Kanji
（漢字）
Katakana
（カタカナ）
Alphabet
（アルファベット）
■ How to Order a Hanko
You can order a custom hanko by choosing:
（以下を選ぶことでオーダーできます。）
Size
（サイズ）
Material
（素材）
Design
（デザイン）
It usually takes 3–5 days to make your hanko.
（作成には通常3〜5日かかります。）
■ Which Hanko Should I Choose?
If you are not sure, here is a simple guide:
（迷った場合は、以下を参考にしてください。）
For daily use → Mitomein
（日常使いなら認印）
For banking → Ginkoin
（銀行用なら銀行印）
For contracts → Jitsuin
（契約用なら実印）
■ Order Your Hanko
Order your custom hanko online today.
（オーダーメイドの印鑑を今すぐご注文いただけます。）
We support foreigners and can help you choose the right design.
（外国人のお客様にも対応し、最適なデザイン選びをサポートします。）
Feel free to contact us anytime!
（お気軽にお問い合わせください！）
order hanko online Japan
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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