Information

In Japan, we use “hanko” (seals) in place of signatures. Hanko is more trusted than a signature in Japan, and having your own hanko may be necessary if you are living in Japan.

Once you get your own hanko, it is very important that you handle it with caution and keep it in a safe place. Unlike signatures (which is hard to forge), anyone can easily use your hanko, and it is indistinguishable who actually used the hanko. If somebody else uses your hanko on any contract sheet, it is estimated that YOU have agreed the contract, and you will have to take responsibility about the contract.

So, you should not easily put your hanko into someone’s hands.

If you are involved in a legal trouble related to using hanko, be sure to consult an attorney as soon as possible.

Cherry blossom in a park near our law office (Kawasaki Kanagawa).

In Japan, goverment’s fiscal year starts from April. So, many judges and clerks are transferred between the courts around the country on the beginning of April. For this reason, only a few meetings are held at the court during this time.

So, lawyers should be vacant at this time, but lawyers regularly squirrel many paperworks away in a closet, so they have tons of things to do anyway.

Fortunately, we have some vacant time for the next two weeks. Feel free to contact us for consultation.

Sumikawa Law Office provides legal services for English speakers in Japan.

We reside at Kawasaki city which is next to Tokyo and Yokohama city. The closest railway station is JR KAWASAKI or KEIKYU KAWASAKI.