GUIDE · HANKO
Company seals (hanko) in Japan
会社の印鑑Jitsuin, ginko-in and kaku-in
Japan has moved many procedures online, but seals still appear in banking and contracts. Here is which seals a company uses — and when you can skip them.
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Seals
3 kinds
Registered, bank and square seal
Online filing
Optional
Registering a seal, since Feb 2021
Paper filing
Required
The seal used on the application
Personal seal
Often
Founders may need one for setup
The three company seals
| Seal | Japanese | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Representative’s registered seal | 代表者印（実印） | Registered with the Legal Affairs Bureau; important contracts and a seal certificate |
| Bank seal | 銀行印 | Opening and using bank accounts — some banks and online banks do not need one |
| Square company seal | 角印 | Invoices, quotes and everyday documents (not legally required) |
When registering a seal is optional
- Since February 15, 2021, if you file the company registration online, submitting a seal to the registry is optional
- If you file on paper, you must submit the seal you use on the application
- If you need a seal certificate for the representative (for example for a bank, a lease or a contract), you still register a seal
A seal can be registered online only together with a registration application, not on its own.
Practical tips
- Many banks, landlords and partners still ask for a seal certificate — ask before you decide to skip it
- Keep the registered seal and the bank seal separate, and store them safely
- Founders often need a personal seal certificate for setup, which requires a residence card — see Starting a business
FAQ
Do I need a company seal to register a company in Japan?
Not if you file online. Since February 15, 2021, submitting a seal is optional for online filings. Paper filings still need one, and you need one if you want a representative’s seal certificate.
What is the difference between jitsuin and ginko-in?
The jitsuin (representative’s seal) is registered with the Legal Affairs Bureau and used for important contracts. The ginko-in (bank seal) is registered with your bank for account procedures.
Can a foreigner use a signature instead of a hanko?
Many procedures now accept signatures or work online without seals, but some banks, landlords and partners still expect a seal or a seal certificate. Ask each one in advance.
Sources
- Commercial Registration Rules revised — seals optional for online filing (from Feb 15, 2021) — Ministry of Justice
- Submitting a seal online (商業・法人登記) — Ministry of Justice
This page is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. The official Japanese guidelines always take priority.
NEED HELP IN ENGLISH?
Talk to an English-speaking expert
Judicial scriveners (shiho-shoshi) who handle company registration for foreign founders — in English.
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- 0-en Sogyo-kun — company setup support ↗Japanese-language service
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