Japanese Hanko Ambassador Program
-
Become a KAMAKURA SIGNET Ambassador.
-
Share the art of Japanese seals. Tell a story that leaves an impression.
-
Join us in sharing Japanese craftsmanship, personal stories, and the spirit of Zen with the world—from our family atelier in Kamakura to your community.
Japanese Seal Craftsmanship, Shared with the World
Our family’s seal-engraving tradition began in 1898. Today, fourth-generation engraver and Zen Buddhist monk Mitsuhiro Tsukino works alongside his wife, both nationally certified First-Class Skilled Craftspeople, to create personal Japanese seals in Kamakura.
Every hanko brings together a name, a design, and the care of the hands that make it. We are looking for people who want to share that connection through their own experiences and creativity.
Who Can Become an Ambassador?
We would love to hear from you if you:
-
Have a genuine interest in Japanese culture, craftsmanship, calligraphy, art, or meaningful travel.
-
Create thoughtful photos, videos, or stories in your own voice.
-
Have an active, public social media account and an engaged community.
-
Can communicate clearly and follow an agreed collaboration schedule.
As a guide, we welcome applicants with 1,000 or more followers on their main social platform. Smaller accounts with a strong creative or cultural fit are also welcome. You do not need to be active on both Instagram and Facebook.
We consider your content, audience interests, audience location, and recent reach—not follower count alone.
Two Ways to Collaborate
1, Product Storytelling
Discover a hanko created for you and share the story behind your name, its design, and the impressions it makes. Show how it becomes part of your art, correspondence, or everyday life.
You can apply from outside Japan. Product availability and delivery arrangements will be confirmed before we begin.
2, Atelier Experience
Visit our atelier in Kamakura, meet the artisan, and share your seal-making experience—from traditional tools and personal design choices to your first red impression.
Please include your planned visit dates when applying. Participation is subject to selection and availability.
What Ambassadors Share
For an initial Instagram collaboration, our proposed starting brief is:
-
One original Reel and at least one Story within 30 days of receiving your hanko or attending your experience.
-
Tag our official account in your posts.
-
Clearly disclose the special ambassador pricing you receive as part of the collaboration.
-
Share your honest experience in your own style.
For other platforms, we will agree on an equivalent format before the collaboration begins. Posting requirements and timing will be confirmed in writing.
Ambassador Benefits
Selected ambassadors may receive the following benefits, depending on the agreed collaboration:
-
Special ambassador pricing on selected personalised Japanese seals.
-
Special ambassador pricing on selected seal-making experiences at our Kamakura atelier.
-
Opportunities to be featured on our official channels, with your permission.
Eligible products and experiences, special pricing, any additional costs, and posting requirements will be confirmed in writing before you accept the collaboration.
How the Ambassador Program Works
Step 1 :Apply
Share your profile, content examples, and why you would like to work with us.
Step 2 :Agree
If selected, we will confirm your special ambassador pricing, total costs, posting requirements, schedule, and content usage permissions in writing before you accept.
Step 3 :Create & Share
Receive your hanko or visit our atelier, then tell your story.
Step 4 :Review
We will review the initial three-month collaboration together and discuss any next steps.
Submitting an application does not guarantee selection or benefits.
Ambassador Program FAQs
Do I need a large following?
No. We use 1,000 followers as a guide, but welcome smaller accounts with relevant content and a genuinely engaged audience.
Do I need both Instagram and Facebook?
No. One active, public social account is enough to apply. Tell us which platform you would like to use.
Can I apply from outside Japan?
Yes, for product collaborations. Available products, shipping destinations, and delivery costs will be confirmed individually. Atelier experiences take place in Kamakura, Japan.
Is every collaboration free?
No. Selected ambassadors can purchase eligible products or take part in eligible experiences at special ambassador prices. You are responsible for the agreed price and any applicable shipping or additional costs. The total cost will be confirmed before you accept. Travel and accommodation are not included.
Will I receive cash payment?
No. This program offers special ambassador pricing on selected products and experiences. It does not include cash payment or referral rewards.
Can KAMAKURA SIGNET reuse my content?
We will agree on any reposting permissions with you. Advertising use and any broader content licence will be discussed separately before use.