Inkan (or hanko) is a personal stamp commonly used in Japan in place of a signature. There are two types of hanko with different levels of legal significance. One is called jitsu-in, and is essential on important legal documents and contracts, such as when buying or renting real estate, a house, a car, etc. It is registered at the municipal office of the district where you reside. The other type, called mitome-in, is not registered and is used on less important documents such as opening a bank account, or as acknowledgement of receiving a parcel, registered mail, etc.
While a mitome-in can be in Japanese characters or in the Roman alphabet, the name on the jitsu-in must appear exactly as it does on your Certificate of Alien Registration. If the Alien Registration Certificate shows your name in the Roman alphabet, your jitsu-in should also be carved in that form.
Stamps can be purchased at one of the hanko shops in the city. For details about the registration and certification of your personal stamp, contact the Citizen Services Division at 1st floor of Tsukuba city hall.
Topics: Procedures
Relevant for: Residents
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