My Inkan

This little guy is my inkan and the symbols carved into it are my name in the Japanese text katakana (On-du-reh). For Y1200 I now have an official seal generally used here to open bank accounts, obtain a cell phone contract, etc. Basically, it is my signature. Use of such stamps instead of signatures date back to 57 AD with only Emperors using them as a stamp of authority. After years of only being used by leaders and, later, samurai, general use of inkans started in 1870.

Although some banks will allow you to open an account without one it is still commonplace to stamp your inkan to open an account. There are circles on papers here, instead of signature line, in which you stamp your inkan. Although I will only be using it once, maybe twice, it does make a good souvenir.

Thanks Mog for translating my name.