About hanko
Can foreigners register a hanko in Japan?
Yes. Foreign residents with a residence record (juminhyo) can register a seal at their city or ward office. See the guide
What is the difference between a registered seal and a bank seal?
A registered seal (jitsuin) is registered at your city office and used for big contracts, like buying a car or a home. A bank seal (ginko-in) is registered at your bank. Which seal do I need?
Can I use one seal for both?
You can, but it is safer to use two different seals. If one is lost, the other stays safe.
Do I need a hanko to open a bank account?
Some banks let you sign instead. Many banks still ask for a seal. Ask your bank. Read more
About your name
Should I choose alphabet, katakana or kanji?
For a registered seal, choose a name format that is on your residence record. Alphabet is always on your residence card. Katakana can be used only if it is recorded on your residence record. How to choose
I don’t know how to write my name in katakana.
Leave a note in the order form. We suggest a spelling in your proof. For a registered seal, the katakana must match your residence record.
My name is very long.
Choose a bigger size, or use your surname only or given name only. The order form shows which sizes fit. See sizes
My name is in simplified Chinese characters.
We carve the Japanese form of each character, as on your residence record (for example 劉, not 刘). Please type your name as it appears on your residence record.
Can I have initials only?
We do not offer initials only, because they cannot be registered at a city office.
Ordering and proof
What is a proof?
An image of your seal design. We email it within 1 business day after your order. We start carving only after you approve it.
Can I change the design?
Yes. Changes are free, up to 2 times.
Can I cancel my order?
Yes, before you approve your proof. We refund you in full. After you approve, we start carving, so we cannot cancel.
Do you offer a discount for several seals?
2 or more seals: 10% off single seals and supplies. Sets are already discounted; delivery is excluded.
Delivery and payment
How long does it take?
Proof within 1 business day. After you approve, we ship within 1–3 business days. After shipping, mailbox delivery takes 1–4 days and TA-Q-BIN takes 1–2 days.
How much is delivery?
Mailbox delivery in Japan is free. Hand delivery by TA-Q-BIN is ¥600 (Hokkaido and Okinawa ¥1,000). Choose your delivery method in the cart. Some remote islands may need an extra fee; we will email you before shipping.
Do you ship outside Japan?
No. We deliver to addresses in Japan only.
How can I pay?
Credit or debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or convenience store payment.
When do you start if I pay at a convenience store?
After your payment is confirmed. We send your proof within 1 business day after that.
Guarantees
What if my city office refuses my seal?
If your city office refuses your seal because of the size or name format we chose, we carve a new one for free (once). This applies when you typed your name exactly as on your residence card, and, for katakana, your katakana name is on your residence record.
What is the 10-year guarantee?
If your seal cracks or chips in normal use within 10 years, we make a new one for free, in exchange for the damaged seal.
- Send us the damaged seal with your guarantee certificate or delivery note. We make the new seal with the same name, size and material.
- Shipping both ways is paid by you.
- Not covered: a lost seal, or damage from misuse or accidents.
- To start, email hello@kawachihanko.com with your order number and a photo of the damage.
Other
Which languages do you speak?
We reply by email in English, Vietnamese and Chinese.
What is the difference between black buffalo horn and akane?
Black buffalo horn is deep black, glossy and very strong. It is our most popular material. Akane is a light, fine-grained wood with a warm natural color, and costs ¥500 less. Both are carved and finished the same way. You can choose a leather case or a cowhide pouch for either.
What is an everyday seal (mitome-in)?
A seal for everyday use, like paperwork at work or school and receiving parcels. It is not registered anywhere. Keep your registered seal for important contracts only.
Does a bigger size cost more?
Every size is the same price.
What is an inden case?
A premium hard case with a traditional Japanese inden pattern, with a built-in ink pad.
Can I buy several seals at once?
2 or more seals: 10% off single seals and supplies. Sets are already discounted; delivery is excluded.
Do you make company seals?
Seals for companies in Japan, in akane wood. Your company name in alphabet, katakana or kanji. We email you a proof before we carve. Company seals
Can I order before my company is registered?
Yes. Many people order seals before registration. Type the company name exactly as you will register it.
Can the company name be in English letters?
Yes, if your company is registered with that name. We carve it exactly as registered.
