[Difference between signature and seal] Explaining the advantages and disadvantages of each!
I am Nozomi Sobue, a calligrapher who is in charge of creating signatures at the signature creation service `` Kokuhide Sign .''
“I want to know the differences, advantages, and disadvantages between signatures and seals.”
"I want to know which one will be used in Japan in the future."
"I want to know which is more important: a signature or a seal on official documents."
I wrote an article for those people!
In this article, we will discuss the characteristics of signatures and seals, the differences in culture between overseas and Japan, and which one will become mainstream in Japan in the future. We will introduce this point in detail.
We also introduce recommended methods for those who want to make a cool sign like a celebrity or athlete, so please read it!
《Person who wrote this article》
Nozomi Sobue
Representative calligrapher of quick signatures.
So far, more than 5,000 people have created signatures.
In his first crowdfunding on Makuake, he achieved a total support purchase of 26,668,000 yen (first place in Makuake service category).
We create many signatures for people who are active on the front lines of various industries, such as celebrities, models, professional athletes, politicians, doctors, lawyers, and business executives.
table of contents
⚫︎Basic knowledge of signatures and seals
・Japanese seal culture and overseas signature culture
・Why did seal culture take root in Japan?
・Signature has higher legal effect
・Will Japan move away from seal stamps and have a signature culture take root?
⚫︎Advantages and disadvantages of seals and signatures
・Advantages and disadvantages of seals
・Advantages and disadvantages of signs
⚫︎What kind of design do you prefer for public signs?
⚫︎Sophisticated and cool signatures created by ``Kokusho Sign''
⚫︎Summary: Understand the difference between a signature and a seal and use them properly!
⚫︎Basic knowledge of signatures and seals
In this chapter, we will introduce the differences between signatures and seals, cultural differences between countries, and the background behind the roots of seal culture in Japan.
Japanese seal culture and overseas signature culture
In Japan, seals have traditionally been used to sign contracts, but in most countries overseas, seals are not used and signatures are used instead.
For this reason, many people overseas are very particular about the design of their signs, and services that allow professionals to create highly designed and sophisticated signs are also becoming popular.
In addition to Japan, seals have been used in countries such as China, South Korea, and Taiwan, but in Western countries and English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand, the culture of signatures has become widespread. is deeply rooted.
Why did seal culture take root in Japan?
Why did seal culture take root in Japan?
It is said that Japan's seal culture was influenced by ancient Chinese culture and Buddhism.
Seals were used on official documents during the Nara period, and have continued to develop since then.
In an era when writing was not widespread, personal seals were valued as the only means of identification, and the culture of stamping a personal seal seems to have taken root as an ancient tradition.
A signature has higher legal effect.
In terms of legal validity, a signature has priority over a seal.
Signatures are recognized as an expression of personal identification and consent, and are widely used in contracts and legal documents.
In Japan, the culture of seals is deeply rooted, so official documents often require not only a signature but also a seal, and generally speaking, the strength of the legal effect is as follows: signature + seal > signature only > name + seal > Only the name will be registered.
Will Japan move away from seal stamps and have a signature culture take root?
In recent years, signature culture has been spreading in Japan as digitalization and internationalization progress.
With the introduction of electronic signatures and digital certificates, signatures have become legally binding not only on paper documents but also on electronic documents.
Looking at this trend, it is highly likely that Japan will move away from seal stamps in the future and autograph culture will become commonplace.
⚫︎Advantages and disadvantages of seals and signatures
Both stamps and signatures have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Please understand the characteristics of each and consider which one to use.
Advantages and disadvantages of seals
Seals can be used for a long period of time, and have the advantage of having a relatively low risk of deterioration over time or tampering.
Another advantage that autographs do not have is that they can be used immediately after purchase.
On the other hand, the disadvantages of seals are the risk of trouble due to unauthorized use and the risk of loss or theft, so care must be taken when managing and storing them in case of emergencies.
Additionally, since seals are unique to a particular country, they may have no or limited legal effect in international transactions and contracts.
Advantages and disadvantages of signs
The advantage of signing is that there is no need to carry around a seal, making it easier to sign contracts and express intentions.
Also, unlike seals, there is no need to worry about them being stolen or used illegally.
Furthermore, it is recognized in international transactions, so it is useful when doing business with foreign countries or traveling abroad.
Additionally, unlike a seal, a signature also has the emotional benefit of allowing you to express your individuality and commitment.
On the other hand, a disadvantage of signatures is that depending on the design of the signature, there is a risk of it being forged.
The risk of forgery is actually lower if the signature has a complicated design or if the original character is changed, but you need to be careful if you just write the name in cursive.
⚫︎What kind of design do you prefer for public signs?
The following elements are important for official signatures:
Identifiability: Signs identify individuals, so they must have a clear and easy-to-identify design.
Consistency: Designs should have a consistent style and characteristics so that it is easy to identify signatures from the same person.
Anti-counterfeiting: A unique design with some complexity is required to prevent counterfeiting. Be careful with signatures written in regular block or cursive fonts, as they are easy to forge.
Official signatures have the role of confirming a person's identity and guaranteeing the legitimacy of documents.
Therefore, it is important to create your signature with a unique design that is difficult to counterfeit.
There are several services in Japan that create signatures, but among them, ``Quick Writing Sign'' conducts a detailed interview using a hearing form before creating the signature, so please take the above points into consideration when creating the signature. It is possible to.
In addition to signatures, signatures are used for a variety of purposes, both private and business.
If you want to know what other uses it can be used for, please read the article below.
13 uses for signs! Let's make a sign that suits your purpose!
If you want to know tips on how to make and write signatures, please refer to the article below.
9 tips on how to make and write signatures taught by professional calligraphers
⚫︎Sophisticated and cool signatures created by ``Kokusho Sign''
If you want to create a signature to use instead of a seal, we recommend a quick-drawn signature.
Speed signatures are created by professional calligraphers who are well versed in the characteristics of calligraphy, making it possible to create unique signatures that are difficult to forge.
Quick Signature was a third-party survey of 1,278 people in their 20s to 60s, and was based on ``customer satisfaction'', ``a signature creation service chosen by business owners'', and ``a calligrapher's signature creation experience''. It has been ranked No. 1 in three categories.
Additionally, we deliver autographs in 2 business days, which is the fastest delivery time in the industry, so we recommend this service if you need a signature right away.
Furthermore, by practicing using the included ``tracing sheet'' and ``stroke order video,'' you can learn the signature in about 5 to 10 minutes, so even those who are worried about whether they can learn the signature can use it with confidence.
・Tracing sheet (signature example: Yudai Tanaka) *Brush letter delivery option applicable
・Brush order video (signature example: Akira Uchiyama) *Brush letter delivery option applicable
In addition, we also provide "re-proofreading" for quick signatures.
We promise to proofread your work as many times as necessary until you are satisfied with the design and provide a signature that you are satisfied with.
*The attachments of ``tracing sheet'', ``stroke order video'', and ``reproofreading'' vary depending on the plan, so please check the following for details.
Quick writing signatures are recommended for the following people:
・Those who want a cool sign that suits their purpose
・Those with difficult characters in their names or those with many strokes in their names
・People who were not satisfied with the sign created by another company
・People who have trouble writing neat handwriting
・Those who want to write their name in a cool and smart way
・Those who frequently use signs for work or private purposes
Use the coupon to get a quick autograph!
Please copy and use this.
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⚫︎Summary: Understand the difference between a signature and a seal and use them properly!
This time, we introduced the difference between a signature and a seal.
Both signatures and seals have their own merits and demerits, but signatures are superior in that they are free from theft, can be used in the international community, and allow you to express your individuality and worldview.
In addition, it is said that in the future, as stamps are removed and digitalization progresses, there is a high possibility that signature culture will become even more popular.
Quick-drawn signatures are high-quality signatures created by calligraphers, so once you make one, you can use it semi-permanently as a ``sign for a lifetime.''
Why not take this opportunity to consider creating a signature?
Click here if you would like to see an example of a signature created using quick handwriting signatures.
60 examples of sign designs created by calligraphers!
Use the coupon to get a quick autograph!
Please copy and use this.
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