Hanko Overview

At Soto Sabisu, Eastern tradition meets a Western culture. We do not try to copy the traditional materials used in Japan, but use Western self inking stamps. There is no loss in quality and the primary advantage is price, along with no need to carry a separate ink pad and it is easier to use and is less likely to smudge. Using a traditional stamp takes a little practice. Our prices are approx 75% less than the cost of buying a traditional seal.

Hanko – A dojo/club stamp 24 x 24mm. We will either use your current translation or translate your club name using Kanji and/or Katakana. The Hanko is typically used in a member’s licence overlapping the student’s photo.
They can also be used for club certificates etc. 
We also produce a large Hanko stamp that can be used on grading certificates.

How to order your Hanko
Step 1. To make an enquiry E-mail sotosabisu@btinternet.com with the following details:
1. Club / dojo name in English
2. Current translation if you have one, photo of logo with Kanji on etc.
3. Colour – default is Red but we can manufacture Black, Green and Blue to special order.
4. Deliver address – it will be sent as a “signed for” parcel.
Step 2 Soto Sabisu will complete the graphic design and send you an image for approval along with an Invoice.
Step 3 Approve the image and make a payment either by BACS or via PayPal with a 5% surcharge Step 4 Soto Sabisu will dispatch your seal approx 7 to 10 days after step 3. 100% satisfaction guaranteed or your money back.

Hanko FAQ
Q: Will it be my first name or my last name? Or will it be both? In Japan an Inkan is almost always with one's last name, this is because the Japanese will use only their last names in normal conversation. It would not be unusual for friends of 30 to 40 years to still be using surnames to address each other. Soto Sabisu can translate either your “given” or “family” name. We would recommend that you request the name that you use and are known by. So if your name is John Smith and almost everyone calls you John, that is what we would recommend you use. If you have a Dan grade certificate with your name translated in Katakana on it please E Mail a photo and we will ensure that we use the same translation.
Q: Can my name be translated into Kanji? Is it possible to translate non-Japanese names into Kanji? Translating a western name into kanji does not really work out; many companies will do it and charge handsomely for selecting a few meaningless kana. If your name has a meaning then that meaning could be translated. We are not Japanese so we should use Katakana, the syllables for foreign words.
Q: Should titles like Sensei, Shihan etc be included in your Hanko?
You would not normally use a honorary title to introduce yourself, it is for others to use these titles when addressing you or talking about you. However if the stamp is being used as a seal on an official document then it may be appropriate. It also depends on your our association and the martial art you practice many will have their own guidelines for use of titles. What I normally recommend is that you seek the advice of what is appropriate from your own association and Soto Sabisu will include it in the design.

Current costings can be found in the relevant shop page please click on the button below to view.

"Click" to go to - Hanko and Inkan section shop page

Top Tip
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