Hiragana is a phonetic alphabet representing 50 Japanese sounds. It was created based on shapes used in the cursive-style writing of kanji. Because it is the most basic form of written language in Japanese sentences, it is the first thing taught to children at school.

Katakana is another alphabet of 50 Japanese syllables, similar to Hiragana. Parts of Kanji were used to represent Japanese sounds, and then Katakana was completed by consolidating that with other original ideas. It is mainly used to represent words imported from foreign countries.

Kanji are ideogram-like characters that originated in ancient China. They spread from China to the surrounding areas in ancient times and helped to form the writing culture in East Asia. In modern times they are used for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean writing, but in each language the way to read them is sometimes quite different.

Romaji is also used in the Japanese language. It is used to express Japanese pronunciation easily for people who can't read the other written languages.

Tsuge (Japanese Boxwood)

Tsuge (Buxus microphylla var. japonica) is the most widely used material for hanko stamps. Tsuge grows slowly, so the fiber is dense, hard and sticky. Owing to the warm texture and beautiful wood grain patterns, hanko made from tsuge have been popular since ancient times. Japanese tsuge producers carefully protect the environment by repeating a cycle of cutting the trees and then planting new trees. Please gently wipe the hanko with a soft cloth etc. after using it. Tsuge hanko stamps have a more subdued and nicer appearance as they are continued to be used.

Kurosuigyu (Black buffalo horn)

Southeast Asian water buffalo horns are also used for hanko. Water buffalo horns can be easily carved, and their price is reasonable, so it is popular for both corporate use and individual use. If you carefully wipe the red ink off after using it, you can keep the hanko's beautiful shining black color forever. Our shop can also provide black buffalo stamps with beautiful zirconia jewelry decorations.

Oranda (Cow's horn)

Cow's horns originating from Australia, South America, and South Africa are also used. They used to be called Dutch buffaloes. In Japan's period of isolation, Japanese people were allowed to conduct trade only with the Qing (China) and the Netherlands, so foreign products were called "Oranda (Holland)". The horn is usually white with brown stripes, and have a moderate price. However, some horns are very white and without stripes. These rare horns are called "fine white" and are considered high quality.

Titanium

Titanium is three times as strong as aluminum, and also stronger than iron and stainless steel. It is resistant to heat and does not cause allergies to human bodies. There are a variety of designs such as those with mirror polished surfaces or those decorated with jewelry stones. For titanium hanko stamps, please wait about a week for completion. The hanko is carved with a specially dedicated machine.

Company : Akinoya Hanko Co., Ltd.
Postal code : 604-8005
Address: 439 Ebisu-cho Sanjo-agaru, Kawaramachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City JAPAN

Tel : 075-231-5484075-231-5484
Fax : 075-231-7880

• Please visit us if you need a hanko.
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• Please tell us your name.
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• Please choose the type of characters you'd like to use, from Hiragana, Katakana or Kanji.
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• Please select the material for your hanko stamp.
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• You can pay in cash or with a credit card.
  We accept all types of credit cards for payment.

• It will be completed 1 hour after you order it.
• We will deliver it to your hotel if you wish.
• If it is a special type that takes a few days to complete, we will send it to your home after we complete it.