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.
Referring to the seal of the Emperor in a general or historical context.
The standard term for the Imperial Seal. Used in official contexts.
御璽は天皇の印章です。
The Imperial Seal is the Emperor's seal.
The State Seal, used for official state documents. Distinct from the Imperial Seal but often associated.
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.
Referring to the Great Seal of Japan (used for official state documents).
Referring to the physical impression made by the imperial seal.
The impression of the Imperial Seal.
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.
The Emperor's Privy Seal is kept by the Imperial Household Agency.
The State Seal is kept by the Prime Minister.