[Koizumi Yakumo and Hanko]
Many people likely rediscovered their interest in Koizumi Yakumo after the morning TV drama series based on him and his wife, Setsu, aired. Truth be told, I was one of them.
Until now, my image of Lafcadio Hearn was solely that of the author of Ghost Stories. However, I learned he was a figure who observed and depicted “Japan” from both external and internal perspectives—introducing Japanese culture abroad and preserving Japanese folklore through his works. This made me want to revisit his writings and books about Hearn himself, so I've picked up several volumes and am reading through them.
Koizumi Yakumo, born Patrick Lafcadio Hearn, drifted through various lands—Greece, Ireland, France, America—before arriving in Japan. There, he met Koizumi Setsu, married her, naturalized, and became “Koizumi Yakumo.”
Among the reasons Yakumo was captivated by Japan were the subtle consciousness permeating daily life and his fascination with the faith of the common people. The ghost stories and folk tales Setsu told him weren't just about knowing the stories; the very relationship of “Setsu telling and Yakumo listening” was crucial. Yakumo valued not just receiving the information, but experiencing the gestures and expressions that accompanied the telling, and the atmosphere conveyed even when the words themselves weren't understood.
Koizumi Yakumo's gaze upon Japanese culture also seemed directed toward everyday tools. The “hanko” seal, which we use so casually today, might have been one such object. While opportunities to use it have decreased in recent years, the hanko remains indispensable for important documents and contracts. Formally called an “insho” (seal), it serves as proof of the bearer's intent when pressed onto paper, making it a vital tool for the Japanese.
The oldest surviving hanko in Japan is the “King of Na gold seal” from AD 57, designated a National Treasure. During the Nara period, “official seals” (koin) were used for government affairs, and as time passed, personal seals (“private seals” or shiin) also began to be made. During the Heian period, the “kao” (signature seal), a signature-like mark replacing handwritten signatures, became popular. However, the widespread creation of seals resumed in earnest during the Muromachi period and beyond. In the Sengoku period, military commanders began using private seals with elaborate designs. In 1873 (Meiji 6), the seal registration system was introduced, requiring the affixing of a registered seal alongside signatures. October 1st is designated as “Seal Day.”
Koizumi Yakumo also seems to have taken an interest in this Japanese seal culture. He is said to have made and used several seals, including one engraved with his nickname, “Herun.” Such an episode was depicted in the morning television drama series, wasn't it? It is also known that he used the heron—said to be the origin of the name “Hearn”—as his family crest.
Incidentally, in Kyoto, when it comes to seals, there's a long-established seal shop near the Sanjo Showroom. They also make adorable stamps, perfect as little souvenirs. I use them in my handwritten notebook myself. When you visit Kyoto, I recommend stopping by the Sanjo Showroom and this shop together, letting your thoughts wander to the world of seals.
Sanjo Showroom
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/sanjo.html
Tamaru Inbo
https://tamaru-online.com/
References
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/小泉八雲
https://shop.han-roku.co.jp/blogs/column/history
