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Artist History
The perfect, Personalized Kamakura Keepsake
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 artifacts 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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Choosing Kamakura Hanko means owning a piece of Japan’s certified cultural and artisanal elite.
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Dual National Masters: Crafted by a husband-and-wife team, both holding Japan's highest certification (1st Grade) as 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 a special collaboration with Hakukodo, the direct lineage of the famed Kei School Buddhist Sculptors.
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The Choice of Leaders: Trusted to create seals for Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Grand Sumo Champions (Yokozuna).
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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 and entrusted to clients across three generations.
The credentials speak for themselves. Choosing Kamakura Hanko is choosing to own a piece of Japan’s certified cultural and artisanal elite.
AWARDS & ATTESTATIONS
Kamakura Hanko is one of the most trusted Japanese Hanko Stamp brands in Japan !
・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 store that has been in business for 80 years
Third-generation owner
1951: First owner opened store
1978: Won gold prize at National HANKO Competition
1975: Second-generation owner opened store
2016: Third-generation owner opened store in Kamakura
2019: Registered as national skilled craftsman HANKO engraving craftsman
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 Japanese Hanko HANKO Stamps 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 outdates system. However, its enduring presence-and its likely continuation into the future-stems from its deep integration into Japanese culture. To date, 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 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 procures its HANKO Stamps directly from a 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 suit nearly any style.
The History of the Japanese Hanko Stamp
The culture of using HANKO Stamps 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 Stamps for important contracts. Each emperor had a specificHANKO Stamps created exclusively for them. By the late Nara period around the year 750 AD, the aristocracy also began acquiring HANKO Stamps with use extending to the Samurai during the Kamakura period.
The widespread use of Hanko across Japan was however 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 rands in Japan
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Crafted Finish
Nationally certified artisans carefully
carve each Hanko.
*Approximately 5 pieces produced 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 not only build hanko for temples/
shrines but for people from all over Japan.