After settling down in Japan, there are certain things foreigners need to do including applying for an Alien Registration card and opening a bank account .However, the first thing they need is a seal ( called an "Inkan" or a"Hanko"). In Western countries, it is common to put a signature on documents, but in Japan, you usually have to stamp your seal instead. Although there are many instances where signatures are accepted recently, for the majority of important documents your seal will definitely be required even if you have signed your name.
There are two kinds of seals: one is a registered seal and the other is a ready-made seal called a "sanmomban." The registered seal is the one you registered at the Registry office and use for official documents. Since it is supposed to last a lifetime, many people have it made from high quality materials. Also, more than a few people go in for taking the advice of fortune tellers for the design of the letters on their seals for good luck. The Registry office is located in each district (ward city, town and village). The registration procedure is simple, as you just bring your seal and register it.
A "sanmonban"is used in the daily lives of many peaple in place of a signature, for example when you receive registered mail or packages from delivery companies. Sanmonban are not decoratively made and are available ready-made featuring most Japanese names at stationary and department stores for around hundred yen. On registered seals, it is common that both the family and first name are engraved, but only surnames are used on sanmonban.