Seal Instead Of Signature

In Japan, a seal or stamp (called inkan in Japanese) serves the same purpose as a signature.

Seal

Having experienced the custom of signature in the U.S. for a while, I wondered if a seal is not safe as it looks being easily forged.

In fact, Japan originally considered to introduce a signature system more than hundred years ago when Japan was modernized after the revolution.  However, the Japanese government finally decided to use a seal instead, taking into account its less burdensome admin processes than a signature system.

There are two kinds of seals: a registered seal and a ready-made seal.

A seal is made of wood, plastic, animal's ivory or horn, amber, etc.  And it is usually 2 to 2.5 inches long.

In most cases, Kanji name is carved on seal; however, English or katakana (one of three scripts in Japanese mainly used to express foreign words) can also be used for foreigners.

English and katakana are used

In many seals, fonts are twisted.

Fonts are twisted

Many fonts can't be even read, but that's OK.  I understand such a deform of letter is done to reduce the risk of forgery.  Also, it intends to call in fortunes as a seal is used in very important occasions, such as closing a certain contract, and many Japanese feel any spiritual things in a seal itself, I guess.

It might be cool for you to have one (but don't try to use in your country if not allowed).

 Follow TA Tokyo

Free Kanji Translation (English)

Free Kanji Translation (Russian)