The Japanese signature sistem based on stamps
The signature valid as a stamp is a practice that has existed in Japan for more than 3,000 years since the year 57, which is almost 2,000 years. However it started to be used by Japanese society on a large scale in 1870 after the modernization of the country.
Today, both natural and legal people have their own signature stamp, the inkan. It’s used when filling out documents, signing contracts, opening bank accounts, etc. Generally speaking, it is used to replace a signature.
The stores that make these stamps claim that each iinkan has an individual characteristic.
Also, a malicious person can make use of another person’s or company’s stamp for his or her own interests.
Inkan– term used broadly to define the stamp
Hanko–of less noble use, is used in documents of little relevance
Jitsu-in – is a special inkan used in signing contracts, are comparatively large, measuring 2 to 4 inches (5.1 to 10.2 cm) in diameter, and officially registered with the commercial registries in Japan
Mitome-in – is the most informal of stamps, serving as a replacement for “visa”, and is used on a daily basis and low-security functions
Gago-in –is used by artists to engrave the author’s name on their work.
Inkans are carved on the tip of a stone, wood, bone, or ivory cylinder, with a diameter ranging from 25 to 75 millimeters. Their carving is a form of calligraphic art. Foreign names can be carved in rōmaji, katakana, hiragana, and kanji. Inkan for standard Japanese names can be purchased at the most popular stationery stores in the country or produced on demand at specialized inkas stores throughout Japan.
