Living in Japan as a foreigner comes with many cultural adjustments, and one of the most practical tools to help you navigate local systems is the hanko. While it might seem like an outdated tradition to newcomers, a hanko is still widely used and often required in everyday transactions—both personal and professional.
So, should foreigners get a hanko? The answer is yes—and this blog will explain why, when you’ll need it, and how to choose the right one.
What Is a Hanko and Why Does It Matter?
A hanko is a personal seal, carved with your name or its Japanese phonetic equivalent, that acts as your signature in Japan. Instead of signing with a pen, you stamp your hanko to confirm your identity and consent. It’s required in many settings, such as opening a bank account, signing a lease, or authorizing work documents.
Even as digital signatures become more common, many institutions—including banks, post offices, and government agencies—still require or prefer a physical seal.
Key Reasons Foreigners Should Own a Hanko
1. Bank Account Setup
While some banks accept handwritten signatures, many still require a personal seal (ginkōin) for account opening and transactions. Having a hanko makes the process faster and smoother.
2. Housing and Rental Agreements
When renting an apartment, most contracts require your stamp alongside your name. Without a hanko, landlords may ask you to bring a guarantor or submit additional paperwork.
3. Mobile Phone and Utility Contracts
Service providers may request a hanko on application forms. It’s often considered a standard formality when setting up gas, electricity, or mobile lines.
4. Work and Employment Documents
If you’re employed in Japan, you may be required to stamp timesheets, contracts, or HR documents. It’s especially common in public offices, schools, and larger corporations.
5. Legal and Immigration Paperwork
Inkan can be used to notarize affidavits, authorize proxy submissions, or verify consent forms submitted to immigration offices.
Can Foreigners Register Their Hanko?
Yes. If you’re a resident with a valid zairyū card (residence card), you can register a jitsuin (official registered seal) at your local ward office. This makes your seal legally recognized, allowing you to obtain an inkan shōmei (certificate of seal impression) for use in contracts and legal matters.
Some ward offices may prefer that the name on your seal match the characters on your residence card. In such cases, katakana is often used for non-Japanese names.
What Kind of Hanko Should You Get?
Foreigners typically need just one or two types:
- Mitomein (Unregistered Everyday Seal): For casual use like deliveries or office memos.
- Ginkōin (Bank Seal): Used for bank and financial documents. Often unregistered with the city but registered with the bank.
- Jitsuin (Registered Legal Seal): Used for official matters like property, company registration, or marriage. This is the only type that must be registered with your local city office.
Script and Language Options
Most foreigners choose to have their name in:
- Katakana: Best for those with names not easily written in kanji.
- Romaji (Latin Alphabet): Some banks and employers may accept this, but it’s less common.
- Kanji: If you have an official Japanese name or prefer kanji, you can use it if it aligns with your identification.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a Hanko?
You may face inconveniences, such as:
- Delayed paperwork or additional identity verification
- More complex rental or bank application processes
- Denial of certain services that expect a seal
While not impossible to live without one, having a hanko shows that you understand and respect Japanese systems, which can leave a good impression on landlords, banks, and employers.
Final Thoughts
Owning a hanko isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about participating in Japanese life with confidence and ease. Whether you’re in Japan for a few months or plan to stay long-term, a hanko will help you move through legal and social systems more efficiently.
At HankoHub.com, we make it easy for foreigners to create a customized hanko in katakana, romaji, or kanji, using high-quality materials and fast shipping across Japan. Whether you need a seal for work, the bank, or your apartment lease, we’ve got you covered.
Embrace Japan’s unique system and make your mark with a seal from HankoHub.
