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HANKO OF JAPAN by KAMAKURAHANKO

SOMETIHING THAT WILL 
LAST A LIFETIME

“A hanko is an expression of your soul, so it is critical to ensure that it accurately represents you”

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MOVIE

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ABOUT US

The ultimate craftsmanship

HANKO Crafted by Nationally Qualified Artisans

 

When we talk about HANKO in Japan, those crafted by artisans holding national vocational qualifications come with a guarantee of superior skill and quality.

Here are their key features:

  • Top Quality & Precision: Artisans who have passed these stringent national exams ensure incredibly precise carving and a flawless finish down to the smallest detail.

  • High Durability: Thanks to the accurate carving and meticulous finishing, these HANKO are exceptionally robust and resistant to wear, designed to last for many years.

  • Beautiful Impressions: The balance of characters and the beauty of the lines are outstanding, leaving a crisp, dignified, and aesthetically pleasing imprint (known as "inkan-ei") when pressed.

  • Unique Value: Each HANKO is a one-of-a-kind piece, truly a work of art that showcases the artisan's masterful skill.

In short, a HANKO made by a nationally qualified artisan offers reliability, beauty, and the kind of lasting quality you can treasure for a lifetime.

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

TYPES OF HANKO

It might be helpful to learn a bit about hanko.

Here is a breakdown of the most common uses for personal hanko:

Japanese Stamps: A Cultural and Practical Necessity

In Japan, Stamps, known as "hanko," are indispensable tools for verifying identity and authenticity. Deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and business practices, they serve a variety of purposes, from official documents to everyday transactions.

Types of HANKO Stamps

  1. Jitsuin (Official Stamp): The most formal Stamp, used for legal documents like contracts and certificates. It requires registration at a local government office.

  2. Ginkouin (Bank Stamp): Used for bank transactions, such as withdrawals and deposits.

  3. Mitomein (Personal Stamp): A more casual Stamp commonly used for everyday documents.

Common Uses of HANKO Stamps

  • Legal Contracts: For real estate, employment, and lease agreements.

  • Government Procedures: Marriage, divorce, and inheritance registration.

  • Banking: Opening accounts and withdrawing funds.

  • Everyday Transactions: Receiving packages and approving internal documents.

Creating and Managing HANKO Stamps

  • Custom Stamps: Can be ordered from specialty shops or online, with various designs and engravings.

  • Safekeeping: Important Stamps are often stored in secure cases or safes to prevent theft or loss.

The Significance of HANKO Stamps

Stamps have long symbolized reliability and formality in Japanese culture. While digital signatures are becoming more prevalent, physical Stamps remain a cornerstone of many transactions.

Foreigners and HANKO Stamps

Foreigners can also obtain and register official Stamps in Japan. The process involves creating a Stamp and applying for registration at a local government office. Necessary documents include a residence card, the Stamp itself, and identification.

Conclusion

Japanese Stamps are a unique aspect of the country's culture and business practices. Understanding their significance and usage is essential for anyone living or doing business in Japan.

JUTSUIN

Built for personal use, the Jutsuin is registered to its owner at the local government office or city hall and is accompanied with a certificate of authenticity.

GINKOIN

goshyuin

A registered bank Stamp mainly utilized to validate banking transactions.

MITOMEIN

The Mitomein is built mainly for personal use. It is often used to sign off on official work documents or to confirm receipt of delivery.

YUIN

The Yuin has characters that do not belong to a specific individual or corporation. Its custom designed characters can be used on letters, notebooks and as  a decorative stamp.

OUR PRIDE

Kamakura hanko is one of the most trusted hanko rands in Japan

01

Crafted Finish

Nationally certified artisans carefully

carve each Hanko.

*Approximately 5 pieces produced per day.

02

Cultivated History

We have been in business  for 3 generations spanning over 70 years.

03

Trusted Skills

We not only build hanko for temples/

shrines but for people from all over Japan.

OUR BEST SELLERS

Here is a breakdown of the most common uses for personal Hanko:

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We can present various ways to write your name in Japanese and work with you to create a custom Stamp that can serve as a unique souvenir.

Once the design is finalized, we will begin engraving your name, ensuring that the finished product is ready for you by the afternoon of your workshop.

MAKE YOUR OWN HANKO

Experience Japanese tradition more intimately through one of our workshops!

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INTERVIEWED BY;

The perfect, Personalized Kamakura Keepsake

IMPRESSED WITH OUR SKILLS?

Here are some examples of auspicious Hanko that are said to bring you happiness. If you love what we’re building, click the button below to find a ‘Hanko’ that fits your needs perfectly. We’re sure to have what you’re looking for !

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LIKE JAPANESE TRADITION?

If you are interested in traditional Japanese culture and would like to learn more about Hanko, we recommend visiting our workshop. We can show you several ways to write your name in Japanese and make an original Hanko as a unique souvenir for your trip !

REVIEWS

Real reviews, from real customers

PRODUCTS

Your HANKO Package offers variety and world-class craftsmanship for your business-gift needs. Each Hanko will show the name of the person you designate, hand-carved in the character-style of your choice by an award-winning HANKO Stamps Engraver.

Your HANKO Package includes...

  • Elegant black storage box

  • Black velour Hanko pouch

  • Red Ink

  • "Natsuin" leather stamp mat

  • Owners Manual and Hanko History

  • Official Certificate of Authenticity

Our HANKO comes with all the above accessories, so you can buy with confidence.

(Before purchasing)
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. We can also provide you with a quote and invoice, so please contact us.

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MESSAGE

Kamakura Hanko is a long-established business, passed down through three generations. For Japanese people, the Hanko is a symbol of Japanese culture and we have handled over 30,000 HANKO Stamps, including those for major temples and shrines across the nation. We've also done work for sumo wrestlers who compete in grand sumo tournaments, popular actors and entertainers. All of our work is conducted in-house, with each HANKO Stamp carefully carved by nationally certified artisans. 

We sincerely hope that you drop by our workshop for a visit!

Tsukino

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