SEGA Releases Video Game Themed Hanko

SEGA announced today on Twitter that they will be releasing a series of SEGA Video Game Hanko for purchase. If you didn't know, a Hanko is the equivalent to a Signature in Japan, and has many uses from Banking Documents, Marriage Papers, Car Registrations and even Birth Certificates. That's not to say that signatures aren't used at all, they're just not as common - and some places, such as banks, require a registered Hanko for withdrawals, the same way our banks work, a personalized I.D. is needed for access to the account. You can purchase two types of Hanko from SEGA, the first is a standard every day Hanko, which can feature one of nine SEGA Console designs - and the other is a legal Hanko which can be engraved with your name for legal use.

Source: Itaindou SEGA Hanko Store

The designs for sale include the MegaDrive (Known as the Genesis in the US), Saturn, Saturn Controller, Dreamcast, Dreamcast Controller, SG-1000, Mark-III, MasterSystem and Game Gear - all of these can be bought for 3,600円 (approx $40 AUD). There is also an option to add on an steel small case for 2,500円 (approx $30 AUD), a Intaglio Stamp mat for 2,000円 (approx $25 AUD) or a Box, themed after your desired console, to hold all of the above in for2,500円 (approx $30 AUD). For those who may be interested, the seals above can legally be used at the following banks: 三菱東京UFJ銀行、三井住友銀行、みずほ銀行、埼玉りそな銀行、ゆうちょ銀行、イオン銀行、浜松信用金庫、池田泉州銀行 (Left in Japanese to avoid mistranslated errors.) This may not be something very uncommon in Japan, but to someone like me, having an official SEGA signature to all my banking, house buying and legal work with would be something of a treat. If you have the means to purchase and use a Hanko, you can do so through this link, just keep in mind (as I'm sure you're aware if you're willing to buy one) you will need to register it with one of the supported banks to use it.