What Is an Inkan Shomeisho? Why Do I Need One?
From opening bank accounts to registering companies and even in daily personal affairs, the inkan shomeisho is a piece of paper used to verify your personal seal (hanko) in a wide array of transactions.
But wait—weren’t hanko abolished? Not yet and definitely not for high-value transactions.
Here’s the quickest guide to get you up to speed fast.
What is an inkan shomeisho?
Inkan shomeisho (印鑑証明書) is an official certificate issued by a Japanese city or ward office that proves your registered personal seal (jitsuin) belongs to you. It is commonly required for high-value or legally binding transactions in Japan—such as real estate purchases, company registration, certain loans, and formal contracts—where proof of identity and intent is critical.
In English, inkan shomeisho can be translated to a "Certificate of Seal Registration."
This certificate is similar to getting your signature notarized, which helps prove the authenticity of the transaction you’ll be using your signature for.
Why do I need an inkan shomeisho?
In Japan, there are a number of times you’ll be required to provide an inkan shomeisho.
For example, the following are situations when you’ll be required to show a certificate of seal registration.
Opening a bank account—not all banks require this anymore, but some still do
Obtaining a loan or co-signing on a loan
Registering your company
Signing a lease
Other high-value transactions
Do I need an inkan shomeisho as a foreigner?
It depends on the transaction and the institution involved.
Foreign residents in Japan can register a hanko and obtain an inkan shomeisho, just like Japanese nationals. However, having one is not always mandatory.
In recent years, many banks, landlords, and service providers have shifted toward accepting signatures instead of hanko, especially for everyday procedures.
That said, an inkan shomeisho is still commonly required for high-value or legally binding transactions, such as:
Purchasing or selling real estate
Registering a company or making changes to corporate registration
Certain loans or financial guarantees
In some cases, a signature certificate issued by your country’s embassy or consulate (for example, the U.S. Embassy in Japan) may be accepted in place of an inkan shomeisho. However, acceptance varies by institution, and some organizations explicitly require an inkan shomeisho regardless of nationality.
If you are unsure, it’s best to confirm in advance whether a signature certificate will be accepted—or whether an inkan shomeisho is mandatory for your specific procedure.
Requirements for inkan registration in Japan
Before you can obtain an inkan shomeisho, you must first register your personal seal (inkan tōroku). While exact rules vary slightly by municipality, the following requirements apply in most cities and wards across Japan.
Age requirement
Anyone who is 15 years of age or older may apply to register a seal in Japan. This is because individuals aged 15 and above are recognized as having limited legal capacity to perform certain administrative procedures.
That said, some city or ward offices may impose additional conditions for minors, such as requiring parental presence or consent. Requirements can vary slightly by municipality, so it’s advisable to confirm with your local city or ward office in advance.
What to bring when registering an inkan
When registering your personal seal at a city or ward office, you will usually need:
Your personal seal (hanko) that meets registration standards
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Valid identification, such as:
My Number card
Residence card
Japanese driver’s license (if applicable)
Some municipalities may require additional verification if you do not have a My Number card, so it’s best to confirm in advance.
Accepted inkan shapes and materials
Not all hanko can be registered as an official inkan.
Generally accepted:
Round or square seals
Seals made of wood, stone, or hard resin
Clearly carved, unique designs
The most popular shape for an inkan is round with a diameter of 16.5–18 mm.
Not accepted:
Shachihatta (self-inking) seals
Seals that are mass-produced or overly simple
Seals that are damaged, chipped, or unclear
Your seal must be easily distinguishable and difficult to replicate.
Name format for foreign residents
Foreign residents can use their name in alphabet or katakana for their inkan registration.
Acceptance depends on whether the name format matches how your name is registered with the city office. Some wards require the seal name to correspond to the name listed on your residence record.
If you are unsure which format is acceptable, confirm with your local ward office before ordering a hanko.
How long inkan registration takes
In most cases, inkan registration is completed the same day you apply at the city or ward office.
Once registered:
You will receive your seal registration card immediately or shortly after
You can often request an inkan shomeisho on the same day
Processing time may be longer if identity verification is required or if municipal procedures differ.
For the full walkthrough of how to register your hanko, see this guide.
How do I get an inkan shomeisho?
Below is a very simplified step-by-step of the process.
First, you’ll need a hanko (personal seal). Purchase or order a hanko, which is your name equivalent in a stamp form.
Next, take your personal stamp (hanko) and ID (My Number card, residence card, etc.) to the ward office/city hall and get it registered.
Ask city office staff for a seal registration application form (印鑑 登録 申請書 = inkantouroku shinsei sho). Minato's Seal Registration Certificate Application (Inkan Touroku Shomeisho) is here.
Fill out the form with your personal information and place an impression of your seal in the designated place.
You’ll be issued a seal registration card (印鑑 登録 証明書 = inkan toroku shomeisho) for you to keep, which verifies that your stamp has been registered with the local city office.
Once you have your seal registration card, show the card to the city office and ask for city office staff to issue you a seal registration certificate (印鑑証明書 = inkan shomeisho). You’ll use the inkan shomeisho for certain high-value transactions that require proof that your hanko is legit.
Some wards allow you to get these seal registration certificates issued at the local convenience store's multi-purpose copy machine. But this is only if your stamp has been previously registered at the local city office.
To find out if your ward has a convenience store tie-in service where you can get a seal registration certificate issued, go here.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between an inkan and a hanko?
Which comes first? The chicken or the egg? In this case, the hanko comes first, as the hanko (seal) is necessary to create the inkan (seal impression).
The difference between the two is that the hanko is the seal, whereas the inkan refers to the imprint the hanko leaves when pressed onto paper.
What is a jitsu in?
A jitsuin refers to a registered seal (hanko) after you've registered it at the city office and have completed the inkan toroku shomeisho (hanko registration) process.
What is a shachihatta?
Other forms of hanko come with ink pads, but the shachihatta refers to a type of self-inking seal. Because this type of seal is easy to mass produce, the city office will not issue you a seal registration card for a shachihatta-type of hanko.
Can I use my signature instead of a hanko?
If you don't have a hanko and you want to use your signature for high-value transactions (purchasing real estate, registering a company, etc.), you would need to get your signature notarized at your country's consulate. E.g., the US Embassy.
Here's info from the US Embassy in Japan on the form you'll need to fill out when getting your signature notarized: https://jp. usembassy.gov/services/ notarials/
The "Signature Certificate" the US Embassy issues would then take the place of the inkan shomeisho in high-value transactions if/when you are asked for it.
In closing
Having an inkan shomeisho is a vital aspect of navigating official procedures in Japan, ensuring authenticity during important transactions.
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