Smitten in Japan

A look at hanko, a carved stamp that can be used in any situation where an individual, or an individual on behalf of a company, might otherwise use a signature or initials. Signing contracts, banking, or receiving parcels are just three such cases.

A look at Koenji, a district of Tokyo in the Suginami ward, west of Shinjuku. It is primarily a residential community with easy access to the Shinjuku and Tokyo stations with its name originating from the old temples in the area.