Stamp(Itiyouraihuku without the character)

Hanko~

 

More than just rubber stamps, hanko--horn, wood or stone seals imprinted with the bearer's name, like a signature to a Westerner--are indispensable tools for Japanese adults in authorizing a myriad of transactions, from automobile registration, to bank activities to setting up house utilities. Nearly any occasion that would call for a Westerner's signature would call for an impression of a hanko in Japan.

 

Hanko were formally introduced to Japan in 701 AD, but were available only to those in positions of high authority. During the early to mid-seventeenth century, hanko were adopted by the general populace. Interestingly, the common people of Japan were not allowed to have family names until the late nineteenth century, so there must have been much confusion with hanko prior to this time with so many people having the same name.