Translation guide
The official seal or stamp of the Emperor of Japan, used historically and in modern ceremonial contexts. This guide covers how to refer to the physical seal, its impression, and related concepts.
The Imperial Seal is the Emperor's seal.
The State Seal, used for official state documents. Distinct from the Imperial Seal but often associated.
国璽は条約の批准書に押されます。
The State Seal is affixed to instruments of ratification of treaties.
Specifically referring to the Emperor's privy seal, used for imperial rescripts and appointments.
Often used to refer to the Privy Seal in historical contexts.
勅令には御璽が押されていた。
The imperial edict bore the Privy Seal.
Explicitly 'Emperor's Privy Seal' to distinguish from other seals.
天皇御璽は宮内庁が保管している。
The Emperor's Privy Seal is kept by the Imperial Household Agency.
Referring to the Great Seal of Japan (used for official state documents).
The formal name for the Great Seal of Japan.
大日本国璽は国書に押される。
The Great Seal of Japan is affixed to diplomatic notes.
Often used as a shorter term for the Great Seal.
国璽は内閣総理大臣が保管する。
The State Seal is kept by the Prime Minister.
Referring to the physical impression made by the imperial seal.
The impression of the Imperial Seal.
文書に御璽の印影が鮮明に残っていた。
The impression of the Imperial Seal remained clear on the document.
御璽 (ぎょじ) is the Imperial Seal, specifically the Emperor's personal seal. 国璽 (こくじ) is the State Seal, used for official state documents. They are distinct but both are considered national seals.
In modern Japan, the use of physical seals has been largely replaced by digital signatures for many administrative purposes, but the Imperial Seal and State Seal are still used for ceremonial and important state documents.