The Brisbane Japanese Language
and Culture School

In the class, we exchange information about a variety of things, including nice places to visit in Japan or Japanese-related activities...

Are you planning to visit or return to Japan in 2025 and want to feel prepared ahead of time? Here are some of the most useful short...

The hanko  (判子) is a traditional seal used in Japan as a substitute for a signature on official documents, contracts, and other paperwork. Typically made from materials such as boxwood, a hanko  is a cylindrical piece measuring 10–20 mm in diameter, or occasionally square, with the owner’s name intricately engraved on one end. Interestingly, Japanese banknotes also feature a red hanko  imprint as part of their design. History of the Hanko The use of hanko  has ancient origins