Verify company registration

    How to check if a company is registered in Japan

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

    Search Company Records in Japan

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

    How do I check if a company is registered in Japan?

    To check if a company is registered in Japan, search its exact registration number or legal name on gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau (https://info.gbiz.go.jp). Compare the identifier and available identity fields before reading the recorded status. A name-only match is a candidate, not confirmation. Official access requirements and document fees vary.

    Step-by-step

    1. 1

      Open the official gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau

      Go to https://info.gbiz.go.jp. This is the primary government-operated source.

      https://info.gbiz.go.jp
    2. 2

      Search by name or number

      Use the legal name or identifier supported by gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau. Trading-name and partial-name searches are not universal.

    3. 3

      Check status and legal name

      Compare the exact identifier and legal name. Preserve the source's status wording: historical and dissolved entities can still have registry records.

    4. 4

      Cross-check the registered address

      Compare the available registered address with the counterparty's documents. A registered office can differ legitimately from a trading address; clarify the difference rather than treating it as evidence of misconduct.

    5. 5

      Download the official extract (optional)

      Most registers let you download a formal extract or certificate. Use this for KYC, procurement, or contract files.

    Open gBizINFO / Legal Affairs BureauAll Japan records

    Frequently asked questions

    How do I check if a company is registered in Japan?

    Search the exact registration number on gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau at https://info.gbiz.go.jp, then compare the legal name and available identity details. Read the status and its date in the source's own terminology. Name similarity alone does not confirm the entity.

    How can I check if a Japan company is still active?

    Read the status on the exact entity's gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau record, preserving its wording and retrieval date. Liquidation is not the same as dissolution: an entity can remain registered while undergoing liquidation. A registry status is not a solvency or trustworthiness assessment.

    Is a Japan company with a website automatically registered?

    No. A website, email domain or invoice letterhead proves nothing. The only authoritative proof is a current entry in gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau with a matching legal name and registration number.

    What proves a Japan company is legally registered?

    An entry in gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau with an "active" or equivalent status is the definitive proof. The registration number returned by gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau is the authoritative identifier.

    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 check if a company is registered 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.

    How can I check if a Japan company is legitimate?

    Look the company up on the gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau. If the entity returns an "active" (or equivalent local status) result, matches the registered address on its invoices, and its listed directors match who is signing your contract, it is a real registered entity. Anything reported as "dissolved", "struck off" or "in liquidation" should be treated with caution.

    What information can I get about a Japan company for free?

    Free public data from the gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau typically includes: legal name, registration number, incorporation date, registered address, current status, business type, and current directors / officers. Historical filings and certified copies may carry a small fee.

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