In Japan, from receiving deliveries to submitting documents such as birth certificates to local authorities, personalized stamps are used for just about everything. In addition, stamps are used for other official purposes by government offices. In a move towards digitization and to streamline operations, the government is doing away with unnecessary seals. However, stamps will continue to be used in important instances such as transferring ownership of real estate and the registration of new companies. In line with this trend, the major manufacturers of seals are developing electronic stamp systems and services.