Must-Know for Foreigners Working in Japan: Do You Really Need a Hanko (Personal Seal)?

Table of Contents

1. Do You Really Need a Hanko?
2. Japan’s Hanko Culture — Its History and Meaning
3. Types of Hanko and How They Are Used
4. Do Foreigners Need a Hanko in Japan?
5. How to Make a Hanko
6. Summary
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment

Q: I heard that I need to make a hanko (personal seal) to work in Japan. Is it really necessary?
And how do I make one?

A: When working in Japan, you may often be asked to stamp your 印鑑いんかん (seal) when submitting company documents, opening a bank account, or signing a lease for an apartment.
While people in Western countries usually write a signature, in Japan it is common to use a hanko engraved with your name as a way to show your personal approval or intent.

In this article, we will explain:
・How to make one step by step
・Whether a hanko is truly necessary for foreigners working in Japan
・What types of hanko you should prepare

Japan’s Hanko Culture — Its History and Meaning

In Japan, stamping a hanko (personal seal) has long been used as a form of official verification.
The history of hanko is ancient — as early as the Nara period (710–794), people were already using seals to mark official documents.
By the Edo period, the practice had spread to merchants and ordinary citizens, and during the Meiji period, the government established an official registration system for jitsuin (registered seals), giving them legal importance.

In other words, a hanko is more than just a stamp; it is a physical representation of one’s name — a symbol of trust, identity, and personal responsibility in Japanese society.

Types of Hanko and How They Are Used

In Japan, there are several types of hanko.
People use different kinds depending on the situation.

Type	Description	Registration Required
実印じついん (Registered Seal)	An officially registered seal used for important transactions such as buying a car or signing real estate contracts. It must be registered at the city or ward office.	Yes
銀行ぎんこう印いん (Bank Seal)	A seal registered with your bank when you open an account. It is used for bank transactions and withdrawals.	Yes
認印みとめいん (Personal Seal)	A seal used in everyday life, such as for receiving parcels or signing company documents.	No
シャチハタ (Self-inking Stamp)	A convenient, pre-inked stamp. Easy to use, but not valid for official contracts or legal documents.	No

Do Foreigners Need a Hanko in Japan?

Conclusion: It’s not absolutely necessary, but having one is very convenient.

In recent years, more procedures can be completed with just a signature.
However, when opening a bank account, submitting company documents, or signing an apartment lease, you are still often asked to provide a hanko.

If you plan to work and live in Japan for a while and want to settle in comfortably, it’s highly recommended to have at least one personal seal of your own.

How to Make a Hanko

Making a hanko (personal seal) is actually very simple.
Even foreigners can easily order one without any problem.
You can make your own hanko by following these steps:

① Decide the Name to Engrave

You can use romaji (the Roman alphabet), katakana, or kanji for your hanko.

• The most common way for foreigners is to use the same spelling as shown on your Residence Card or foreign registration documents.
• If you have a Japanese name written in kanji or katakana, you can use that instead.

Important:
When you register your hanko at a bank or city office, the name on your seal must match exactly the name used for registration.

② Choose Where to Make It

You can make a hanko in several different ways and places.
Here are some common options:

Method	Features	Price Range
Hanko shop	You can consult with the staff and choose the material and font style. Custom-made designs are possible.	Around ¥3,000–¥10,000
Online order	Simply enter your name and order easily from the website. Some shops deliver within one day.	Around ¥1,000–¥5,000
100-yen shop / stationery store	You can buy a ready-made 認印みとめいん (personal seal) immediately, though foreign names may not be available.	Around ¥100–¥500

* If it’s your first time making a hanko, it’s best to order one from an online shop or a hanko store that can be used as a 銀行ぎんこう印いん (bank seal) or 認印みとめいん (personal seal).

③ Choose the Material

The material of a hanko affects both its appearance and price.

• Wood: Light and easy to use. The most common and affordable option.
• Plastic: Inexpensive and durable, suitable for short-term stays in Japan.
• Water buffalo horn or ivory: Has a luxurious feel and lasts a long time, though quite expensive.

Recently, environmentally friendly materials such as sustainable wood and acrylic have also become popular choices.

④ When Registration Is Required

If you plan to use your hanko as an official seal or bank seal, you need to register it at your local city office or bank.
Once registered, you can receive an 印鑑いんかん証明しょうめい書しょ (seal registration certificate), which serves as an official proof of identity.

When registering, you will need personal identification such as your Residence Card, passport, or My Number Card.

Summary

In recent years, Japan has seen rapid digitalization, with the spread of electronic signatures and online contracts.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies and government offices have introduced digital procedures, and the occasions to stamp paper documents have gradually decreased.

Even so, hanko are still required for many important processes, such as banking, real estate, and government paperwork.
In other words, the hanko continues to serve as a symbol of trust in Japanese society.

For foreigners, this custom may seem a bit unusual, but owning a hanko can be seen as a small yet meaningful step toward understanding Japanese culture and becoming part of the community.
Even as digitalization advances, the culture of trust embodied in the hanko will continue to be passed down for generations to come.

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