Artist History
The Perfect, Personalized Kamakura Keepsake
Kamakura Hanko
-Name of Japan-
by JAPAN SIGNET
The Masters Behind the HANKO Seal:
The National Legacy of Kamakura Hanko
Kamakura Hanko is not simply a brand; it is a 70-year-old family legacy founded in Onarimachi—the refined district of Kamakura that once housed the Emperor's Villa. Our creations are the result of expertise handed down through three generations, embodying the authentic spirit of the ancient capital.
The Credentials Speak for Themselves.
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Heritage Ownership: Owning a piece of Japan's most prestigious artisanal heritage.
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A Husband-and-Wife Mastery: Both certified as 1st Grade Master Engravers.
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National Endorsement: Recipient of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Grand Prize, the highest honor for traditional craft.
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Certified Heritage: Our craft is legally certified as a component of Japan Heritage, confirming its cultural significance.
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Lineage of Masters: Our Kamakura-Bori seals are crafted in collaboration with Hakukodo, direct descendants of the legendary Kei School of Buddhist sculptors.
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The Choice of Leaders: Trusted by Japan's Cabinet Ministers, Diet members, and Yokozuna (grand sumo champions).
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Entrusted by Sacred Sites: We are the chosen creators of temple seals for iconic sites, including the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
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Proven Legacy: Over 30,000 custom HANKO crafted for clients across three generations.
The credentials speak for themselves. Choosing Kamakura Hanko is choosing to own a piece of Japan's most prestigious cultural and artisanal heritage.
AWARDS & ATTESTATIONS
Kamakura Hanko is one of Japan's most trusted seal-making brands.
Our store was featured on the official Japanese government social media accounts
Japan Heritage Certification
National certification: First-class craftsman
Winner of the Grand Prize for Crafts
Awarded at the HANKO Exhibition
Produced HANKO for ministers, members of parliament, mayors, etc.
Produced HANKO for champion sumo wrestlers
Produced goshuin HANKO for temples and shrines all over Japan
Produced over 30,000 HANKO
The ultimate craftsmanship
A long-established atelier with over 80 years of heritage
Third-generation owner
1951: The first-generation owner opened the original store
1975: The second-generation owner opened a new store
1978: Won gold prize at National HANKO Competition
2016: The third-generation owner opened the Kamakura flagship store
2019: Certified as a National Master HANKO Engraver
2022: Certified as Kamakura City Special Project
2023: National Crafts Grand Prix Grand Prize (Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award)
2024: Awarded by the mayor of Kamakura City and the mayor of Nice, France
Kamakura Hanko is one of the most trusted Hanko brands in Japan.
Winner of the Grand Prize for Crafts
Awarded at the HANKO Exhibition
Produced HANKO for ministers, members of parliament, mayors, etc.
Produced HANKO for champion sumo wrestlers
Produced goshuin HANKO for temples
Hanko Today,
Hanko Tomorrow
Despite concerns that the Hanko may become obsolete as banks increasingly accept handwritten signatures and digital verification methods, the Japanese Hanko remains popular. Critics argue that the Hanko is part of an outdated system. However, its enduring presence — and its likely continuation — stems from its deep integration into Japanese culture. Today, Hanko are used during pivotal life events such as submitting marriage certificates, registering births, purchasing vehicles, buying houses, and even certifying death certificates. Consequently, Hanko are becoming increasingly popular as gifts for weddings, the Coming of Age Day, and other significant celebrations. Given its association with major life milestones in Japan, the Hanko is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
Kamakura Hanko Craftsmanship
Originally established in 1951 in the Kansai region (western Japan) by Satoshi Tsukino, Kamakura Hanko is now run by Third Generation Owner Mitsuhiro Tsukino. Passionate about preserving and sharing hanko culture, Mitsuhiro carves custom Hanko by hand, just five minutes away from Kamakura Station. Kamakura Hanko sources its materials directly from a trusted partner in Yamanashi Prefecture, the largest producer of Hanko stock in the country, and offers over 30 types of high-quality materials ranging from stone to horn and wood. Additionally, the store features a selection of over 100 Hanko cases crafted by Yamanashi artisans, providing designs that complement every taste and occasion.
The History of the Japanese Hanko
The culture of using HANKO originates from the 5th millennium BC Mesopotamia and made its way to Japan by the year 57 AD, although it likely arrived even earlier. Following the enactment of the Taiho Code — an administrative and penal code — in 701 AD, the Japanese Imperial Family began using HANKO for important contracts. Each Emperor had a specific HANKO created exclusively for them. By the late Nara period around the year 750 AD, the aristocracy also began acquiring HANKO, and their use later extended to the Samurai class during the Kamakura period.
The widespread use of Hanko across Japan, however, was solidified during the Meiji period (1868-1912) when a new law mandated a unified national system of certification. Today, the Hanko is a cultural heirloom passed down through generations and remains a crucial element for confirming 'will' and 'responsibility' for transactions between the government, corporations, and individuals.
OUR PRIDE
Kamakura Hanko is one of the most trusted Hanko brands in Japan.
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Crafted Finish
Nationally certified artisans carefully
carve each Hanko.
Limited to approximately 5 pieces per day.
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Cultivated History
We have been in business for 3 generations spanning over 70 years.
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Trusted Skills
We craft Hanko not only for temples and shrines, but for clients across Japan and beyond.