Search the business registry

    Japan business registry search

    Free, official, source-cited — updated 2026-06.

    Search Company Records in Japan

    3 free lookups per day. No sign-up required.

    Reviewed by LemReveal Research TeamLast verified June 2026Primary source: gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau

    How do I search the business registry in Japan?

    The Japan business registry is operated by gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau. It covers KK (株式会社 / Kabushiki Kaisha), GK (合同会社 / Godo Kaisha). Search by business name to find the registered entity behind a trading name — free, no signup.

    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?

    Yes, and that is usually the practical starting point. The registry will link the name to the registered legal entity where the two differ.

    Is a business registry search free in Japan?

    Yes. Name search and the public entry on gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau are free. Only certified documents are chargeable.

    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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