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Inkan: What is Personal Seal in Japan?

by BELONGING JAPAN
inkan in Japan

In many countries, personal seals aren’t commonly used. Instead, people rely on signatures or digital methods. But in Japan, even with the rise of electronic systems, inkan (personal seals) are still widely used in everyday life and official paperwork. This might surprise some people. In this article, we will explain the different types of inkan and how they are used in Japan.

If you’re interested in exploring other guides in Japan, please take a look below.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: What is Hanko?

In many countries, people use signatures. However, in Japan, personal seals (inkan or hanko) are often required instead. There are three different types of inkan used depending on the situation.

 

Jitsu-in (実印)

A jitsuin is a personal seal that is officially registered at your local city or ward office. After registering your seal, you will receive an inkan registration card. Based on this registration, you can also get a seal certificate (inkan-shomeisho) from the office. You will need a jitsuin for the following situations:

  • Buying or selling real estate or a car
  • Inheriting assets
  • Signing a housing loan
  • Applying for life insurance, etc.
Jitsuin

Ginkoin (銀行印)

A ginkōin is a personal seal registered with a financial institution, such as a bank or credit union. It is used for banking-related procedures, including:

  • Opening a bank account
  • Applying for a credit card

 

Ginkoin

Mitomein (認印)

A mitomein is a personal seal that is not registered, and it’s used in many everyday situations. Common uses include:

  • Receiving packages
  • Submitting moving notices (when moving in or out)
  • Confirming documents at work

These types of seals are often sold at stationery stores or convenience stores in Japan. Many people use seals made by the company Shachihata, so it’s common to hear people say, “Please stamp it with a Shachihata.

Mitomein

Chapter 2: Rules for Making an Inkan?

When creating a jitsuin (registered seal), it’s important to follow certain rules to avoid mistakes. Foreign residents can also make and register a jitsuin, but understanding the rules is key to ensuring the seal is valid. Since a jitsuin can cost around 10,000 yen, it’s best not to waste money by making an incorrect seal.

For Foreign Nationals from Non-Kanji Regions

  • If your name comes from a non-Kanji region, you can register a jitsuin even if your last name, first name, and middle name are in a different order on the seal.
  • To register a seal with your name in Katakana, you first need to register that name in your resident record (jūminhyō). Once it’s registered, your Katakana name will also appear on copies of your resident record and seal registration certificate (inkan-shomeisho).
Example: The following names can register seals based on the resident record:
  • Full name: ITABASHI MARSHA RACHADA
  • Katakana version: イタバシ マーシャ ラチャダ

Seals that can be registered:

  1. Seal with full name:
    ITABASHI MARSHA RACHADA

  2. Seal without middle name:
    ITABASHI MARSHA

  3. Seal with only last name:
    ITABASHI

  4. Seal with only first name:
    MARSHA

  5. Seal with last name and middle name:
    ITABASHI RACHADA

  6. Seal with first name and middle name:
    MARSHA RACHADA

  7. Seal with initials:
    I.M.R
    (Initials can also exclude the middle name.)
    (Note: Seals should clearly show the combination of last name, first name, and (middle name) using periods or separators.)

For Foreign Nationals from Kanji-Using Countries (e.g., China, Korea)

If you are from a country that uses Kanji, you can have your Kanji name on your resident record. Because of this, you cannot register a seal with your name in Katakana.

To register a Kanji seal, your Kanji name must already be on your resident record. If it’s not there, you can apply at the Immigration Services Agency to have your Kanji name added to your residence card. Once added, your Kanji name will appear on your resident record.

Example:

If your resident record has this name, you can register the following seals: Full name: 張 長春 (or 张 长春 on your passport)

Seals that can be registered:

  1. Seal with the full name: 张 长春 or 張 長春
  2. Seal with the last name only: or
  3. Seal with the first name only: 长春 or 長春

Chapter 3: Where to make English Inkan?

You will be able to purchase English Inkan at following places. 

  1. hankoya.com
  2. Shibuya Stamp Shop
  3. Rakuzendo

 

Source: 2024 印鑑うんちく事典

Source:  ITABASHI CITY OFFICE 

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