🔴 Hanko Seal Generator (印鑑 Jitsuin, Ginkoin, Ninin)

A hanko (判子, also 印鑑) is the personal seal used in Japan in place of a signature. It is a stamp carved with the family name (姓) or full name in traditional tenkoku (篆書) calligraphy style, pressed into red ink. Japanese people use different seals for different purposes:

The jitsuin is the most important: you register it at your local government office and receive a inkan-shomeisho (印鑑証明書) certificate. Losing it means formally cancelling the registration, so it is stored carefully. Name format: full family name for jitsuin, while shachihata often uses full name.

Select the seal type and your gender to see the recommended size range. Enter your name to preview how it would be carved in tenkoku style - this tool shows the kanji and a stylised impression:

Material matters too: shin-nanryo (water buffalo horn, white), black buffalo horn, boxwood (tsuge), titanium and acrylic are common. Titanium never shrinks or cracks but is harder to carve; shin-nanryo gives the classic sharp impression. For exact carving you visit a hanko shop; this tool is a planning guide, not a substitute for the professional product. See the life-event guide for where a seal fits into marriage and other registrations.

1. Choose the seal type (jitsuin, ginkoin, ninin, shachihata or rakkan).
2. Select your gender for the recommended size range.
3. Enter your name in kanji to see how it fits (character count check).
4. Review the style table to pick tenkoku or another script.
5. Order from a hanko shop; register the jitsuin at your ward office.

What is a jitsuin (実印)?

The registered personal seal used for legal documents, property and contracts. It is registered at the local government office and certified with an 印鑑証明書.

What size hanko do I need?

Jitsuin: 15-18mm (men) or 13.5-16.5mm (women). Ginkoin: 13.5-16.5mm. Ninin: 10.5-13.5mm. The size limit depends on your local registration rules.

What is the difference between hanko and inkan?

Inkan (印鑑) strictly means the registered seal impression; hanko (判子) is the colloquial word for the stamp itself. In daily use they are interchangeable.

What style is used for seals?

Tenkoku (篆書) seal script is standard for jitsuin because it is hard to forge. Kaisho (block) is easier to read and common for ninin.

Do I need a hanko in Japan?

For most official paperwork yes - leases, bank accounts, company registration and contracts typically require a seal. The jitsuin is required for major legal acts.

Can a foreigner get a hanko?

Yes. You can register a hanko of your family name in Latin letters, katakana or kanji at your municipal office, provided it is registered and used consistently.

Register a jitsuin at your ward office before signing a lease or opening a business - you will need the 印鑑登録証明書 for everything from real estate to company registration. Store the jitsuin securely and use a different seal for the bank. When ordering online, submit a handwritten sample (or a copy of your my number card / driver's licence) so the carver matches the correct kanji. Full-width two-character names (e.g. 山田) fit 15mm; three or four characters may need 18mm. For art, the rakkan-in is a personal joy - many calligraphers carve their own. Pair with our New Year card address tool when sending nengajo, and check the name generator for kanji ideas if you are choosing characters.