Japanese have been using the seal for many years. In the present era, people usually use a seal as a signature on a document. However, An act of sealing also meant other purpose.

1．Introduction of The Seal to Japan

　The introduction of Japanese seal is considered to be from China in AD 57. The oldest seal in Japan is a so called Kinin which was discovered in the Edo period. The word ‘Kinin’ is a seal which is made of gold.  This seal was a gift which was given by Chinese emperor of those days. Engraved words of this seal indicated to be Japanese king. From this period to the Heian period, only governmental bodies had been using the seal. The culture of using seal spread among ordinary citizens since the Heian period.

2. Interesting story about the seal in Japanese history

　There was interesting story about using seal in Japanese history. For example, Nobunaga Oda, who is very famous person in Japanese history, used a seal with the following inscription ‘天下布武(tenkahubu)’ which indicated the will of the unification of Japan by force.  According to this case, the seal seemed that it was used for indicating their status and their will except a signature.

3. At the present time

 There are few countries which use the seal publicly. A hand written signature is the mainstream in the world. Therefore, the method of the seal in Japan is unique in the world.