HISTORY
The History of JAPANESE SEAL HANKO
The culture of using seals dates back to 5th millennium BC Mesopotamia. It reached Japan by AD 57 — though it's likely it was even earlier. After the Taiho Code (the administrative and penal code of the Taiho era) was enacted in 701, the Imperial The family began using hanko for important contracts. Each emperor has a specific seal created especially for them. The aristocracy started getting seals made by the late Nara period, around 750, and samurai got into the game during the Kamakura period and beyond. the Meiji Period (1868-1912) that the hanko became widely used across the country when a new law enforced a unified national system of certification. people to confirm their “will” and “responsibility” in everything that's signed between the government, corporations and individuals.
Hanko Today,
Hanko Tomorrow
Despite fears of the hanko disappearing as banks increasingly allow handwritten signatures and digital methods of verification, the humble hanko still remains popular. Those in favor of phasing out the hanko complain that it's part of an outdated system. long (and why it will remain in the future) — it's an integral part of Japanese culture. Hanko are used at the most significant moments in people's lives: when submitting marriage certificates, registering births, purchasing cars and buying houses — even certifying death certificates Because of this, hanko are increasingly popular gifts at weddings, coming of age day, and other important occasions. Given the hanko is synonymous with major life events in Japan, it won't be going away anytime soon.
Kamakura Hanko Craftsmanship
Originally opened in 1951 in the Kansai region by Satoshi Tsukino, Kamakura Hanko is now run by third-generation owner Mitsuhiro Tsukino. Passionate about sharing and preserving hanko culture, he carves custom hanko by hand just 5 minutes away from Kamakura Station. its seal stocks directly from Yamanashi – the largest producer of hanko stocks in the nation – and offers more than 30 types of high quality materials from stone to horn and wood. The selection of over 100 hanko cases, also made by Yamanashi craftsmen, offers a design to suit almost any style.