Travel Japan: Inkan
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New souvenir, Inkan!
What image do you have about Japanese souvenirs? Matcha flavored snacks is always popular to foreigners to Japan, you can see various types of Matcha flavored snacks like not only cookies and chocolates but also candy and pancakes. However, another item has getting popular now, that’s Inkan, seal impression.
What's the role of Inkan?
Inkan is a very common item for all Japanese people. They use that every time when they open bank account and make signature etc. In Japan, people have their own Inkan which their last name is usually written on at least one per person. As familiar item, Inkan, first name is written, is sold at souvenir shops as a not-official Inkan, just for souvenir like name-written key charms or magnets in the U.S. Those Inkan sometimes shapes heart or Hello Kitty, and other is colorful.
Get your own Inkan!
Did you feel want some Inkan? Even if you don’t need to use Inkan here, you can make your original Inkan in Japan! At “Hanko shop 21” in Asakusa is famous between foreigners who want to make their original Inkan as souvenir. You can get your name written in not only English but also Katakana (traditional Japanese) and Kanji (Chinese character). Once you tell your name and design, you can get your own Inkan around in one hour. Although it’s not cheap, around 5,000 yen, and you don’t use that in states, that’s so cool and reminds you of good memories in Japan. Would you like some Inkan for souvenir for you when you go to Japan next time?