Quote:
Originally Posted by SHAD0W
Ahh I'm with you now
ooo, question time!
Probably been asked before, if so, point me in the right direction?
Anywhoo, My Japanese Teacher says that people do not use signitures in Japan, that everyone uses a personalised stamp? Were you issued with one of these when you first arrived to japan? How old do people have to be before they get given one? does it feel odd when you go elsewhere outside of japan and have to sign for things? Can you show us a picture of one?
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It's called a hanko. I was given one when I arrived by my school, but you can buy them in stores, and have them personally designed. They use them because there is no "unique signature" or cursive writing in Japanese, so anyone could write anyone's name. The hanko is a personal seal that proves it is really you.
I don't have a picture of mine, but it looks like a polished wooden stick about the size of a cigarette but maybe twice as fat. One end of the stick has your name written on it. Places that require a hanko will usually have an ink pad for you to use.
Found a pic online (this one is fancier than mine) :
More info, and a place that will create a hanko for you:
Hanko Stamp