Search the business registry

    Japan business registry search

    Source-cited registry guidance — access and document fees vary by source.

    Search Company Records in Japan

    Free basic search · no sign-up required.

    Reviewed by LemReveal Research TeamContent reviewed June 2026Primary source: gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau

    How do I search the business registry in Japan?

    Use gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau as a starting source for Japan, then check its scope for the business form you need. Types can include KK (株式会社 / Kabushiki Kaisha), GK (合同会社 / Godo Kaisha). A trading name may need a separate source or document; it does not automatically identify a legal entity. Official access requirements vary.

    Step-by-step

    1. 1

      Search the trading name you were given

      Start with the name on the invoice, website or contract. It is often a trading name rather than the registered legal name.

    2. 2

      Identify the legal entity behind it

      gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau records the legal entity. Matching a trading name to its registered entity is the whole point of a registry search — the two are frequently different.

    3. 3

      Check the entity type

      Japan recognises KK (株式会社 / Kabushiki Kaisha), GK (合同会社 / Godo Kaisha). Entity type determines liability and who is legally responsible, so it matters before you contract.

    4. 4

      Note what the registry does not cover

      Sole traders and unregistered activity may not appear at all. An absent record is not automatically proof of fraud — it can simply mean the business is not required to register.

    Open gBizINFO / Legal Affairs BureauAll Japan records

    Frequently asked questions

    What does the Japan business registry cover?

    gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau records KK (株式会社 / Kabushiki Kaisha), GK (合同会社 / Godo Kaisha). Businesses that are not legally required to register — commonly small sole traders — may not appear.

    Can I search the Japan business registry by trading name?

    Some sources index trading names; others require the legal name or a separate business-name search. Ask for the contracting entity's legal name and identifier when the relationship is unclear.

    Is a business registry search free in Japan?

    LemReveal's basic lookup is free where supported. Official searches, records and documents have their own access conditions; check gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau's current terms.

    What if a Japan business has no registry entry?

    It may not be required to register, or it may be trading under a different legal name. Ask for the registration number directly before assuming either.

    What is a KK (Kabushiki Kaisha)?

    KK (株式会社 / Kabushiki Kaisha) is Japan's standard joint-stock company, equivalent to a corporation. Minimum capital is ¥1. It's the most prestigious and common company form for medium to large businesses. Almost all listed Japanese companies are KK.

    People also ask about search the business registry in Japan

    The exact questions searchers type into Google — answered from the primary source.

    Is the Japan company register free to search?

    Yes. Basic company lookups on the gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau are free — you can search by company name or registration number, view legal status, registered address and (usually) directors at no cost. Some jurisdictions charge a small fee only for downloading full filed documents.

    What is the official Japan business registry?

    The gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau is the official public register of companies incorporated in Japan. It is operated by the government and is the primary source cited on this page — https://info.gbiz.go.jp.

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