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The Copyright Seal

At the bottom of the posts here on Springwolf Reflections, you may notice a seal with Japanese characters. Some folks have asked what that is. Well it’s not a cartouche, it’s called a Japanese Hanko and it’s my copyright seal for my work. I use the seal on articles, art, and even student certificates.

These seals are still used in Japan for professional and personal purposes. Most requiring registration with local government offices, much like a trademark is registered in the U.S. today. Like a signature to a Westerner, they are indispensable tools for Japanese adults in authorizing a myriad of transactions, from automobile registration, to bank activities to setting up house utilities. Nearly any occasion that would call for a Westerner’s signature would call for an impression of a hanko in Japan.

You can learn more about this Copyright Seal and find some links for more information and where you can get your own hanko.