Inkan Overview

In Japan seals are used instead of signing your name, in general they are referred to as Inkan or Hanko. Inkan is the most comprehensive term; Hanko tends to refer to seals used in less important documents.
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.
We can only translate English names, but can take instructions for seals with foreign names if you already have a translation.

A round Inkan stamp is used by individuals. It would be normal for these to be used with Red Ink, but we can make them in Black, Blue or Green as special orders.

How to order your Inkan 
Step 1. To make an inquiry E-mail sotosabisu@btinternet.com with the following details:
1. Your name in English (usually Christian / given name)
2. Current translation if you have one, photo of your name in Katakana from a Dan grade certificate 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.

Inkan 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.

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

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