Verify company registration

    How to check if a company is registered in Japan

    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 check if a company is registered in Japan?

    To check if a company is registered in Japan, search its name or registration number on gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau (https://info.gbiz.go.jp). An "active" status plus a matching legal name confirms the entity is currently registered. All basic verification is free.

    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

      Enter the trading name or the registration number. gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau returns exact and near matches.

    3. 3

      Check status and legal name

      A registered company shows an "active"/"registered" status and a legal name that matches the entity you're checking.

    4. 4

      Cross-check the registered address

      Compare the registered office address on gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau with the address the company advertises. Mismatches are the fastest signal something is off.

    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 company's name or registration number on gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau at https://info.gbiz.go.jp. A matching entry with an "active" or equivalent status confirms the company is currently registered. The check is free and needs no account.

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

    Read the status field on the company's gBizINFO / Legal Affairs Bureau record. "Active"/"registered" means it is currently on the register; "dissolved", "struck off" or "liquidation" means it is not. Also check the most recent filing date — a nominally active entity years behind on filings is a warning sign.

    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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