Japan's Inkan culture is unique, and from a foreigner’s perspective, it's a fascinating custom that’s both surprising and amusing. Traditionally, it has been common in Japan to use personal stamps, known as hanko or inkan, to sign official documents. These stamps serve as a substitute for signatures, and they've been used in a wide variety of situations, from bank transactions to government offices, and even business contracts. However, around 2020, Japan rapidly moved toward digitalization, and the government finally declared, "No more inkan needed!" thus pushing forward the abolition of official document stamps.
As a result, large companies were quick to jump on the bandwagon, thinking, "This will make things more efficient!" Many began to phase out inkan in favor of electronic signatures and digital approvals. Nowadays, you can complete a signature with just a click! It truly is a convenient era. However, some companies and organizations still say, "No, no, we still need the inkan," and in places where traditional customs are valued, the use of inkan persists.
Inkan Manners – The 5-Degree Left Bow
Now, let's dive into one of the more amusing aspects of Japan’s inkan culture. It’s the unique set of inkan manners, which showcase Japanese attention to detail and consideration. You see, using a hanko isn't just about stamping—it involves a certain "angle of courtesy," almost like the mindfulness of a calligrapher putting the finishing touch on a work of art!
In many companies and government offices, the procedure is to have subordinates stamp their inkan first, followed by a supervisor’s confirmation stamp. And here's where it gets interesting: it's considered proper to tilt your inkan about 5 degrees to the left when stamping. This precise angle, symbolizing a respectful bow, is a reflection of the meticulous nature of Japanese society. You can't just stamp straight—it must be at 5 degrees! The idea is that the inkan should "bow politely," a practice that demands remarkable attention to detail.
If you stamp it straight? People might think, "Oh, this person doesn’t know the proper manners." It may seem like a small thing, but it actually matters a lot.
The Art of Stamping – The Technique of Tilting
"Okay, I’ll stamp it at a 5-degree angle!" you might say, but in reality, this is not so easy. If you force the tilt, the stamp might smudge, or parts of it could come out too light. You need to apply even pressure across the stamp when pressing it down.
If you make a mistake on an official document, you’ll have to fix it with a correction stamp, which can be quite stressful. Plus, if you stack other documents on top before the ink dries, it could smudge and ruin everything! Careful attention to timing is also necessary.
Conclusion – The Depth of Inkan Culture
Japan's inkan culture is a tradition that has been upheld for a long time in Japanese business and society. Although the need for inkan is decreasing as digitalization advances, it continues to play an important role in many areas. And, the meticulousness and attention to manners that are central to the Japanese mindset are reflected in this inkan culture.
So, if you ever find yourself working in a Japanese company and need to use a hanko, be sure to practice the art of the "bowing inkan." It might just leave a great impression on your colleagues, showing that you understand Japanese manners!
