Hanko, Inkan ?

I finally got around to making a Hanko to brand my photos of Japan. So what is a Hanko and why does it matter in Japan ?

A hanko or inkan is a personal stamp that is traditionally used in lieu of a handwritten signature in Japan. You might wonder what is the difference between a hanko and inkan? Originally, the word hanko referred to the instrument itself, whereas inkan meant a sealed impression or imprint. These days they are used interchangeably by native Japanese speakers. However, depending on the situation, one term may be more appropriate than the other. In casual conversation, the word hanko is frequently used, whereas the word inkan is a more formal expression.

Why do You Need a Hanko?

During the pandemic and in the light of ‘working from home’ there has been a lot of talk about the abolition of hanko stamps. A physical means of approving something (contracts etc) creates obvious logistical issues in our new normal world, when you could simply use a E-signature. But while the use of hanko stamps in Japan might be limited in the future, it is still difficult, if not impossible, to avoid using one on certain occasions. Whether you want to open a bank account or buy a house, having a hanko will simply make your life in Japan much easier.

However for me a hanko is purely a means of branding the photos I take of Japan. And the inkan looks especially nice when using tsukineko inks to get that Japanese lipstick red colour.

You can view my photo site here.