
Adorable pups loosen cats’ monopoly on the signature substitutes.
Hankozu, a maker of the personal seals called hanko that are used to authorize documents in Japan in place of a signature, has had cat-lovers purring for the last month or so with its new line of cat-themed hanko. But every dog has his day, and now it’s the canines who are getting their turn as the legally binding stamps.
As with Hankozu’s cat series, each seal is customized by choosing an illustration and font for your name, which are combined into a circular and cute illustration that’s left behind whenever you press the stamp down.
There’s an extensive selection of drawings to choose from, showing their furry little stars doing engaging in such traditional activities as playing Frisbee, shaking hands, and howling at the moon.
▼ We’re also fond of Dog K, who’s daydreaming of a big hunk of cartoon-style meat.
There’s also a set of breed-specific hanko, with their representatives ready for their close-ups.
▼ Top row (left to right): Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, Papillon, Dachshund, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terrier
Bottom row: Shih Tzu, French Bulldog, Maltese, Corgi
▼ Font choices
The traditional-style hanko, which need to first be pressed onto an ink pad, are priced at 3,000 yen (US$27). Even less expensive is Hankozu’s Jointy J9 model, which uses an internal ink cartridge and is priced at just 1,500 yen (cartridge sold separately).
Hankozu’s dog hanko can be ordered here through online retailer Rakuten.








Is Japan’s combination personal cat stamp/pen/mechanical pencil the best writing instrument ever?
Japan’s floral birthday crests now available as beautiful personalized seals
Mark your territory with these mega cute Japanese name stamps, starring 15 playful dog breeds
Pikachu can now be part of your legal signature in Japan thanks to awesome Pokémon personal seals
With these new cats stamps, all your documents will be officially cute!
Japanese Shinkansen welcomes overnight guests for one night during summer festival
Pokémon Card Stores requiring facial recognition scans for entry in Japan in latest anti-scalper move
Starbucks Japan unveils exclusive new Frappuccinos limited to three regional areas
A roadside hair salon stall in China made us Norway’s Haaland for US$1, and warmed out hearts too
Starbucks Japan brings back the Caramel Waffle, but is it as good as it used to be?
Japanese government okays plan to create a backup capital city
McDonald’s Japan goes viral for Samurai Mac burger hack
Pikachu and Ditto Pokémon desserts at Baskin-Robbins Japan look AND feel like their inspirations
Studio Ghibli Laputa figure looks like it’s really flying thanks to cool visual trick
How are you supposed to wash a Japanese futon duvet at the laundromat?
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Pokémon hanko seals get a second generation run with 100 new characters from the Johto region
Adorable kitty stamps for your purr-sonal seal (of approval!)
A whole new batch of Pokémon can now be part of your legal signature in Japan with Gen III hanko
More cat stamps available so you can neko-fy all of your important life documents
Studio Ghibli hanko personal seal stands are here to enliven your mundane daily tasks
Add a little sweetness to your signature stamp with a Sanrio Cinnamoroll hanko
Online shop’s anime character personal seals look awesome, can be used for legal paperwork
Gundam can now be part of your signature in Japan with Mobile Suit Gundam personal seals【Photos】
Latest Pokémon PON hanko stamps feature many precious pals from the Black and White era
Keep wishing for the end of coronavirus with sickness-preventing yokai signature seals
Sailor Moon’s Moon Rod and Moon Stick cases will keep your personal seal stable and stylish
New capsule toys reinvent Japan’s hanko personal seal stamp whether you like it or not
Godzilla turns your signature into King of the Signatures with kaiju personal seals in Japan【Pics】
Tokyo temple holds funeral for personal seals in effort to reform outdated business practice【Vid】
These aren’t idle graph paper doodles but your next official signature stamp