Personal seals, known as hanko or inkan, are used in place of signatures in almost all situations in Japan. In years gone by, it was very difficult to get anything done in Japan without one but these days it is getting easier and easier to get by with just a signature, at least in Tokyo. However, they do make great souvenirs of your time in Japan, so you may want to go ahead and get one made, just in case. Keep in mind, though, that if you start using a hanko or inkan, you will not be able to easily revert to just your signature.

For important legal documents, such as apartment rental contracts or the documents you sign when buying a car, you may need a certificate to prove that the seal is yours. This certificate (inkan shōmei) can be obtained from your city hall and you will be charged a nominal fee.