Hanko are little name stamps used in Japan in place of a signature when receiving a parcel, authorising a document or filling in just about any kind of form. Being official identity markers, most hanko stamps are pretty boring – just your last name written in kanji.
These new Hanko-san (Mr. Hanko) stamps are designed to be used together with your existing hanko, allowing you to turn your seal into a little message that will bring a bit of spark to the drudgery of your working day. And they’re coming soon to a gashapon machine near you!
To use it, of course, you’ll first need your regular hanko to fill in Mr. Hanko’s face space.
▼ A hanko stamp. I used to carry mine around in my wallet until one day a co-worker noticed that I did that and everybody laughed at me. Apparently that’s weird and you should get a little designated case for it like everyone else.
Now for the fun part! Mr. Hanko comes in five designs, allowing you to communicate all kinds of messages to co-workers and friends without revealing your embarrassingly bad handwriting.
▼ “You got a phone call!”
▼ “Urgent!”
▼ “Sorry!”
Note the beads of sweat coming off the prostrated apologising man. Just like the bowing emoji, but in analogue form!
▼ Group Project
Each person gets their own Mr. Hanko!
▼ So Tired of Working I Wish I Could Just Turn Into a Cat.
In fact, it’s amazing Japan doesn’t have a word for that already.
Mr Hanko, or to give him his full name Stamp on Stamp Hanko-san, is produced by Otanjoubikai and are in gashapon toy vending machines now for 200 yen (US$1.70) each.
Japanese cat hanko stamps let you sign your name with extra flair and fur
Add a little sweetness to your signature stamp with a Sanrio Cinnamoroll hanko
The Jujutsu Kaisen hanko collection is here to stamp away your curses…and paperwork
New Pokémon PON name stamp collection lets you stamp your name on anything
New capsule toys reinvent Japan’s hanko personal seal stamp whether you like it or not
How to make a lucky sushi roll with KFC fried chicken skin【SoraKitchen】
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
This gigantic judo dojo-sized hotel room will make you feel like royalty, but it’s disappearing soon
Japan has been tossing message-bearing coconuts into the ocean since the 1980s
Cherry blossom sake rice beer arriving in Japan well ahead of cherry blossom season, but how?
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Start your day with a wake up call from Re:Zero’s Emilia or Rem!
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Japan has abolished advance deportation notifications to foreigners’ lawyers
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Studio Ghibli releases Spirited Away bags in Japan, based on a mysterious festival
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Adorable kitty stamps for your purr-sonal seal (of approval!)
Studio Ghibli hanko personal seal stands are here to enliven your mundane daily tasks
Make an impression on paper and your peers with a katana-hilt name stamp
Get your name, genetic information engraved on a Japanese name stamp that’s uniquely you
Mark your territory with these mega cute Japanese name stamps, starring 15 playful dog breeds
Spruce up your office with Pikachu date stamps in various sizes and styles
Leave a Reply