The seal is made from pure gold, measures 3 sun (about 9 cm) and weighs 4.5 kg.

Although there was no character "帝" (imperial) in the seal text, since it was manufactured before Japan became formally known as 大日本帝国 (Dai Nippon Teikoku) by the Meiji Constitution, it was not reminted at the establishment of the Meiji Constitution.

Under the Meiji Constitution, the cases where the Privy Seal or State Seal is used was defined on the official note formula (公文式: kōbunshiki 1886–1907) and the official formula code (公令式: kōreisiki 1907–1947).

However, the code was abolished with the enforcement of the Constitution of Japan, with no replacement statute.

At the 2019 Japanese imperial transition, the State Seal – together with the Privy Seal and two of the Imperial Regalia – featured twice during the ceremonies: During the abdication of Emperor Akihito on 30 April, and during the accession of Emperor Naruhito on 1 May, chamberlains carried the seals into the Hall of Pines, where they were placed on tables near the reigning Emperor.