How to Choose the Right Hanko Font Style for Your Personal or Business Seal

When ordering a hanko, one of the most overlooked—but most important—decisions is selecting the right font style. While material, size, and shape are crucial, the script you choose will determine the seal’s readability, authenticity, and overall visual impact. Whether you need a personal hanko for daily use or a professional corporate seal, the font style can influence how your name or company is perceived.

In this guide, we’ll explain the most common Japanese hanko font styles, when to use each, and how to pick the right one based on your needs.

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Why Hanko Font Style Matters

A hanko’s font style isn’t just about looks—it serves functional and cultural purposes:

  • Authenticity: Some fonts are required or expected for official and legal seals.
  • Security: Certain fonts are more resistant to forgery.
  • Formality: Different styles carry different tones—some traditional, others modern.

Choosing the correct hanko font helps ensure your seal is accepted for its intended use.

Most Popular Hanko Font Styles in Japan

1. Tensho (篆書体) – Traditional Seal Script

Tensho is the most widely used script for both personal and official hanko. Originating from ancient Chinese seal calligraphy, it has a distinctly formal appearance with tightly spaced characters.

Best for: Legal seals (jitsuin), bank seals (ginkōin), corporate seals.

Pros:

  • Very hard to forge.
  • Traditional and formal.

Cons:

  • Difficult to read unless you’re familiar with seal script.

SEO Keywords: traditional hanko font, Tensho script, secure seal engraving

2. Gyōsho (行書体) – Semi-Cursive Script

Gyōsho offers a handwritten feel, balancing elegance and readability. It’s slightly more relaxed than Tensho but still maintains a formal tone.

Best for: Personal seals (mitomein), artistic or gift seals.

Pros:

  • Elegant and flowing.
  • Easier to read than Tensho.

Cons:

  • Not ideal for official or registered seals.

SEO Keywords: Japanese hanko script, Gyosho font style, personal seal design

3. Kaisho (楷書体) – Block Style

Kaisho is a clean and simple block-style font. It’s the easiest to read and resembles printed characters.

Best for: Personal seals, everyday use, beginners.

Pros:

  • Highly legible.
  • Good for foreign names.

Cons:

  • Easier to forge due to simplicity.

SEO Keywords: Kaisho seal style, readable hanko fonts, beginner hanko

4. Reisho (隷書体) – Clerical Script

Reisho is an ancient font that sits between Kaisho and Tensho in terms of formality. It has a historical and artistic look.

Best for: Decorative seals, traditional enthusiasts.

Pros:

  • Unique and expressive.

Cons:

  • Rarely used for official seals.

SEO Keywords: Reisho font hanko, artistic Japanese seal, decorative hanko script

Choosing the Right Font for Your Use Case

Here’s a quick guide to help match the font style with your seal’s purpose:

PurposeRecommended Font
Legal documents (jitsuin)Tensho
Banking (ginkōin)Tensho or Gyosho
Personal use (mitomein)Kaisho or Gyosho
Business brandingGyosho or Reisho
Gifts or artReisho or Gyosho

Matching Fonts with Materials

Certain fonts work better with specific materials:

  • Tensho on titanium: Ultra-formal and secure.
  • Gyosho on wood: Artistic and natural.
  • Kaisho on plastic/acrylic: Affordable and clear.

Consider the combination of font and material to create a seal that fits your lifestyle and usage.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right font for your hanko is more than an aesthetic decision—it’s about ensuring functionality, legitimacy, and cultural harmony. Whether you need a seal for work, banking, or personal expression, selecting the appropriate script can make all the difference.

At HankoHub.com, we guide you through every detail of designing your personal or professional seal—from font style and material to name translation and case selection.

Find your perfect font. Create your ideal hanko. Explore our font options today at HankoHub.com and leave your mark with confidence.

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