Exploring the Allure of Japan's Hanko Culture: Crafting Hand-Carved Seals with Artisans Using Natural Wood

【STORY】

Do you know about Japan's very unique "Hanko culture" from a global perspective?

Hanko refers to a personalized seal with one's name engraved on it, serving as a tool for personal identification, equivalent to a signature in other countries.

In Japan, hanko is required in various situations, both professionally and privately, such as when entering into contracts or getting married.

The tradition of hanko stamps in Japan dates back to approximately 2,300 years ago with the golden seal of kannowanonano-kokuouin, which symbolized the authority of the king at that time.

During the Edo(1603-1868) to Meiji periods(1868-1912), the current hanko culture spread. The government mandated the registration of seals for public management and encouraged their use in commerce to enhance the credibility of transactions. As a result, the legacy of this era remains in the form of the Registered Seal System, where every Japanese individual is required to have a registered seal.

While there is a recent trend suggesting that hanko may be unnecessary, in Japan, where paper culture still prevails, it is unlikely that highly secure hanko will disappear.

The Japanese belief that one should not engage in actions that tarnish their name, echoing the spirit of Bushido is strong and reflected by Japanese phrases.

For Japanese people, their names are crucial, representing their own value and existence. That's why Japanese individuals cherish the Hanko engraved with their names as a "certificate of trust."

Although most hanko are now produced through mechanization, there is an established hanko shop in Tokyo's Asakusa district called Ito Inbo that incorporates a slightly innovative approach.

Ito Inbo specializes in creating hanko that are both nature-friendly and unique, featuring designs such as cherry blossoms and portraits alongside names. They uphold the hand-carving techniques passed down since the father's generation, ensuring intricate designs are beautifully crafted.

Using natural wood for original seals is an experience unique to this shop in Japan. Consider engraving your name or a favorite design to create your own special hanko.

【HIGHLIGHTS】 

• Explore the world's first experience of crafting seals using natural wood!
• Infiltrate the workshop where female artisans preserve traditional Japanese techniques!
• Carve your own original design and unleash your creativity!

【SCHEDULE】

You can choose the start time for this plan. Please choose your preferred start time when you make your reservation.
*The following is an example of the schedule
*Please be aware that the experience duration may vary depending on the customer

[09:00] Gather at Ito Inbo's workshop

[09:10] Explanation of the experience

[09:30] Choose a design
※ Note: Carving intricate designs can be challenging as the stamp will produce a reversed image!

[10:00] Carve the chosen design onto natural wood using carving tools

[10:30] Try pressing the stamp, make slight adjustments to areas of interest

[10:45] Completion: Explore inside the shop
※ You can also purchase cute stamped designs as souvenirs!

[11:00] End of tour

【EXPERIENCE SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION】

◆ About Ito Inbo
Ito Inbo, established in 1947 in Asakusa, Tokyo, is a specialty store for seals (hanko). While the image of artisans is often associated with men, here, female hanko artisans continue the tradition of hand-carving, emphasizing the desire to convey the warmth of hands. They innovatively introduced the Koeda Inkan (Twig Seal) using natural wood, contributing to the preservation of traditional techniques.

◆ About the Material for Seals, Natural Wood
Natural wood refers to Sakura (cherry blossom), Sansho (Japanese pepper), Oak, and similar woods that have been air-dried for 5 to 10 years. The wood is personally harvested from their own mountains and aged in the workshop. Seals made from natural wood embrace an environmentally friendly concept by encouraging users to bury them in the soil after use, allowing them to naturally decompose.

◆ Seal Making Experience
This guided experience involves carving your preferred design onto a seal using carving tools. While some skill is required for hand-carving, the artisans, who exude kindness and passion, provide thorough guidance. These unique seals, crafted only in Japan, make perfect souvenirs or gifts for both yourself and friends.

〇 Overview of the Seal
- Material: Small twigs of natural wood, such as Sakura or Sansho
- Length: Approximately 10 centimeters
- Pattern: You can create an original pattern with guidance from the artisan
  ※ Note: Complex patterns may have a higher difficulty level and may not be feasible within the allotted time. (The image is for illustration purposes, and the actual pattern may vary.)

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：2 hours
• Meeting point：Ito Inbo Workshop - 1st Floor　[MAP]
  1-19-4 Senzoku, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0031
  
• Access：
  ・10 minutes on foot from Exit 3 of Iriya Station on the Tokyo metro Hibiya Line.
  ・11 minutes on foot from Exit A2 of Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express.
  ・17 minutes on foot from Exit 3 of Tawaramachi Station on the Tokyo metro Ginza Line.
• Language support：Japanese
  
  *We also accommodate overseas individuals by using translation tools.
• Included：
  ・Experience fee
  ・Tools for the Experience
  ・Materials (Natural Wood)
• Excluded：
  ・Transportation costs to the experience location
  ・Souvenirs Available at the Workshop
  ・Cinnabar Ink
  　※The 'Hanko' created during the experience can be taken home.
  ※English interpreter/guide fee is not included. If you need one, please select the optional fee.
  
• Items to bring：
  ・Nothing in particular.
  ・If you are concerned about carving debris, please bring your own apron.
• Clothes：
  ・Please come in casual attire
  
• Participation requirements：Over 12 years old
  *For children under 12 years old, separate confirmation is required.
  If you wish to include individuals under 12 years old, please select the number of people in the 'Under 12' category and provide their ages in the remarks section＊
• Free Wi-Fi：No
  
• Toilet：No
• Other things to note：
  ・Please use the restroom beforehand.
  ・There is a public restroom just a 1-minute walk from the experience location（https://maps.app.goo.gl/gooCaHM2P1MFeZ5S8）
  ・This plan is subject to reservation requests.
  ・Please be aware that depending on availability and the number of participants, there may be cases where we cannot accommodate your request or we may need to offer an alternative date. We appreciate your understanding.
  ・This plan is available only in Japanese, but we encourage overseas customers to use translation tools to enjoy the experience.
  ・If you need an English-speaking guide, please select the optional fee. A professional guide will carefully guide you about Japan's Hanko Culture.

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

Until 72 hours before the experience start time: 0%
From 72 hours before the experience start time to start time: 100%
Cancellation after the experience has started or cancellation without contact: 100% 

※Right after the online settlement is made, a cancellation fee of 10% will be incurred in case of cancellation.
※The cancellation fee includes handling charges.