It’s hard to work from home when your job requires you to physically stamp a document with a seal for it to be approved. That, however, is just what many office workers in Japan have to do. Hanko, or inkan, are the traditional seals for finalizing official documents in Japan.
Hanko, brought from China centuries ago, are used in Japanese personal life in place of a signature to show receipt of a delivery or payment, to open a bank account, and to seal a legally binding agreement. In companies, they are used by executives and managers for legal agreements and to show their approval of internal documents like proposals.
But they are also used by regular employees to confirm they have reviewed various everyday documents such as estimates, invoices, and reports. Without the option of a digital stamp, using hanko on materials also means paper filing systems, fax machines, and a physical presence to conduct business.
Japanese banks have led the way to move toward digitization, bypassing the government’s stamp tax. Naturally, the government is pushing back – but not just because of the fee.
Naokazu Takemoto, Minister of Science and Technology Policy, is also head of the group of politicians representing the Hanko Association. Takemoto has admitted that he knows little about computers, which makes him good company for the minister in charge of cybersecurity, Yoshitaka Sakurada.
Sakurada seemed confused when questioned by lawmakers in the Japanese Parliament when asked about common security concerns. One asked if nuclear power plants allowed the use of USB drives.
“I have been independently running my own business since I was 25 years old,” replied the cybersecurity minister, adding that when computer use was required, “I order my employees or secretaries” to do it.
“I don’t type on a computer.”
And there you have it. Not signed, but “sealed” and delivered (by fax).
by Diana Rowland, author Japanese Busines: Rules of Engagement
Also see: Working Remotely in Japan and Working Remotely: Avoid Communication Breakdown
