Custom made stamp needed!

[Revenant]

I need a 'hanko' for banking stuff and all that, so I'm wondering what kind of places would have custom made stamps.... thanks in advance!

 

[Pachipro]

Usually a stationary store will make one for you in katagana, hiragana, or Kanji that is legal for banking and/or renting an apartment/house etc. There are also hanko stores that will make one for you.

After you have it made it would be wise to register it. Others with more recent experience may be able to give you better information.

 

[Mike Cash]

Easy as pie at any hanko shop. Here is a link to the J-Google results page for hanko shops in Okayama: 岡山 はんこ - Google 検索

You'll definitely want to register it if it is to be used for official business, although it isn't strictly necessary for most run-of-the-mill banking matters.

 

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

I found this site.
The production window of INKAN for a foreigner


As a result of having searched it with "INKAN".

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.

http://www.shibuya-hanko.com/index-e.htm

Where and how to buy: In Nagoya, affordable, custom-made inkans can be done while-you-wait at the Tokyu Hands 東急ハンズdepartment stores.

http://www.nic-nagoya.or.jp/en/canyoutellme/nagoya_inkan.htm

 

[Revenant]

Thanks everyone. I looked in a stationary shop, and they only had those stones one can carve by oneself, all the other stamps were Japanese surnames. I then went to the google search that MikeCash provided and went to the place on the google map cause that was easy to find. I've got a custom made stamp coming on Tuesday with my lastname in Romaji. It'll do the job, and it wasn't too terribly expensive either.

Would the registry office be at city hall?

 

[Mikawa Ossan]

Would the registry office be at city hall?

Yes, and this is the Okayama City Hall page on registering your inkan (in English).
http://www.city.okayama.okayama.jp/shimin/shimin/english/inkan_e/index.htm

Good luck!

 

[Revenant]

Ummm... wow, I should try looking these things up first. Thanks!