Emperor Guangwu of Han
The first evidence of writing in Japan is a "hanko" dating from AD 57, made of solid gold given to the ruler of Nakoku by Emperor Guangwu of Han, called King of Na gold seal. At first, only the Emperor and his most trusted vassals held "hanko", as they were a symbol of the Emperor's authority. Noble people began using their own personal "hanko" after AD 750, and samurai began using them sometime during the Feudal Period. Samurai were permitted exclusive use of red ink. After modernization began in 1870, "hanko" came into general use throughout Japanese society.