Check if a Japan Company Is Active

Check if a Japan company is activeSearch the company by name or registration number and read its status field. On gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau, an "active" or "registered" status means the entity is currently on the register; "dissolved", "struck off" or "liquidation" means it is not trading legally.Steps

Find the company Search by name or registration number to open the correct record.

Read the status field The status is the register's own verdict on whether the entity currently exists. Treat anything other than active/registered as a red flag before contracting.

Check the last filing date An entity can be nominally active but years behind on filings. A long gap since the last filing is a warning sign even when the status reads active.

Confirm at the source Status changes propagate from gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau at https://info.gbiz.go.jp. For a decision with money attached, confirm there.

Frequently asked questionsHow do I know if a Japan company is still trading?The register's status field is the authoritative answer. An active/registered status on gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau means the entity is currently on the register. It does not by itself prove the business is operating, so also check the most recent filing date.What does "dissolved" or "struck off" mean?The entity has been removed from the register and can no longer legally trade or enter into contracts. Any invoice or agreement issued under that name after removal should be treated as invalid.Is checking company status in Japan free?Yes — status is part of the free public record on gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau. No account is needed.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.Source: gBizINFO / Legal Affairs BureauLast verified: 2026-06-01