判子(はんこ)

判子(はんこ) is an essential item in Japanese daily life, used for signing documents, receiving packages, and official paperwork.

Types of seals:

• 認印(みとめいん) (personal seal for everyday use)
• 実印(じついん) (registered seal for important documents)
• 銀行印(ぎんこういん) (bank seal)
• シャチハタ (self-inking stamp, brand name often used generically)

Common expressions:

• 判子(はんこ)を押(お)す (to stamp a seal)
• 判子(はんこ)を作(つく)る (to have a seal made)

Related terms:

• 印鑑(いんかん) (seal - more formal term)
• 押印(おういん) (stamping a seal - formal)

Cultural note:
While signatures are becoming more common, seals remain important in Japan for 銀行(ぎんこう) accounts, contracts, and official documents.