I just started writing this blog with the intention of keeping my grammar as native as possible. Working in a Japanese company and sometimes speaking only 20% English all day can take its toll on your written English. It starts to sound like Engrish. Really.
I really don't know how many non-Japanese are working in relatively large Japanese companies, but there are things that take getting used to.
I know many of the non-Japanese that move here frown at having to make a Hanko, or seal. In Taiwan, it's called a chop, and it replaces the "signature," in western cultures. If you attend university in Japan, they require you to make a Hanko, and you will probably need one for most official transactions for daily life. Some banks may allow you to use a written signature when opening a bank account.
There are a few different levels of hanko for levels of importance in daily life or business. The one you see above is commonly known between the Japanese as a "Shachihata." It's actually the name of the most famous hanko manufacturer in Japan. Like how Americans call tissues, "Kleenex." Yes, Shachihata is the company who manufacturers the famous X Stamper, for those who are in to office supplies. The one above is actually made by Brother (the printer folks). These are used for stamping less official documents like courier receipts when you receive a package. My company provides me one at work.
Whenever we need to order sales samples, extraordinary office supplies, go on business trips, scratch myself, pee, a purchase request must be drafted in detail (scratch the last two, of course). The requester must affix his hanko on it, plus get approval from ALL managers in his division, and depending upon cost, the big man himself. No, not God or Buddha. The president (to some, a dictator). The Shachihata is used for most day to day business functions.
The 実印, jitsuin, is probably the most official. These are usually not self stamping, and registered. The jitsuin is used for banking paperwork, government documents, and contracts. Usually most people will require both to function in life. My two personal references had to affix their jitsuin before I was officially hired to the company. I guess it adds more, "weight."
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