(Illustration by Yukiyo Oda/Stripes Japan)

In Japan, hanko (stamp) or inkan (seal impression), which uses a pad of thick red ink called shuniku, actually serves as personal identification. This seal is necessary when opening a bank account, joining a new company or school or getting married. While you probably won’t need to use one, they are a symbol of Japanese culture and can make for a great souvenir.

(Illustration by Stripes Japan)