A Day for Seals, as in Stamps, Inkan, Hanko

Good Seal Day いい印鑑の日 is a relatively new Japanese commemorative day marked on November 1st annually. It was established by Nishino Online Workshop, a specialist seal maker based in Kyoto. The date was chosen as a play on words, with 11/1 read as ii inkan ("good seal" or "good hanko"). The day was only officially registered with the Japan Anniversary Association in August 2024.

The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the cultural and practical value of personal seals, which have long been used in Japan for contracts, official documents, and personal identification. It also aims to support the preservation of traditional seal-making skills, including the art of creating hand-drawn seal designs.

Although many aspects of modern life have become digital, supporters of the commemorative day believe that seals still offer craftsmanship and tradition. A carefully made seal is often given to mark important life events such as coming of age, marriage, starting a business, or signing significant contracts. Good Seal Day celebrates not only these practical uses, but also the skilled artisans who continue this uniquely Japanese tradition.

Photo: the largest wooden stamp / seal in the world