.jp Domains: A Comprehensive Guide for Foreign Businesses

Having an online site for your business is essential to attract new customers. One key aspect is to pick the right domain for it, particularly in specific locations such as Japan.

Enter .jp domains. What exactly is it? 

This comprehensive guide tells you everything you need to know about .jp domains and pick the right one for your business.

What is a .jp domain?

A .jp domain is Japan's country-code top-level domain (ccTLD), administered by the Japan Registry Service (JPRS). It signals to search engines and users that a website is associated with Japan.

Who can register a .jp domain?

Any individual, company, or organization that has a permanent postal address in Japan can register a .jp domain. A physical presence in Japan is not always required, but a valid Japanese address is mandatory for registration. Foreign businesses without a Japanese office can use a virtual office address service to meet this requirement.

There are two main categories of .jp domains. General .jp domains are open to anyone with a Japanese address and carry no limit on how many a single registrant can hold. Restricted second-level domains such as .co.jp, .or.jp, and .ac.jp have additional eligibility requirements based on corporate registration status, organizational type, or industry.

Many foreign businesses will have a .jp domain to establish themselves within the Japanese market.

What are .jp domains used for?

A .jp domain allows businesses, organizations, and individuals to have an online presence and easily operate online in the Japanese market.

Search engines like Google use ccTLDs (country-code top-level domains) to identify the country to which websites and blogs belong. Thus, sites with a .jp domain will gain a slight boost in clicks in certain countries.

Types of .jp domains: Which one do you need?

Japan offers several second-level domain categories under .jp, each with different eligibility requirements and intended uses. Choosing the wrong type is a common mistake for foreign businesses entering the Japanese market.

For most foreign businesses entering Japan: .co.jp offers the strongest credibility signal if you have a registered Japanese corporation. If you do not yet have a Japanese company, a general .jp domain is your most accessible starting point and carries no restrictions on the number of registrations.

Benefits of using .jp domains

There are many benefits to using a .jp domain. Let’s take a look at them. 

Improved SEO

A .jp domain can enhance your search engine optimization (SEO), especially if you are targeting Japanese audiences.

Search engines prioritize local domains, such as .jp domains, for searches from Japan, leading to better visibility and potentially higher ranking.

Trust and credibility

Having a .jp domain can enhance the trust and credibility among Japanese consumers.

It demonstrates a commitment to the Japanese market and compliance with local regulations, letting Japanese consumers know your product or service is credible.

Brand protection

Registering a .jp domain will help protect your brand identity and reputation in the Japanese market.

Securing a domain with your brand prevents competitors or unauthorized people from acquiring and using it for malicious purposes.

Thus, having a .jp domain safeguards your brand’s integrity and allows customers to identify your official website.

3 things to know when applying for a .jp domain

1. Apply on behalf of a Japanese corporation.

When registering for a .jp domain, you must be a Japanese business entity or a Japanese corporation with a permanent postal address in Japan.

2. One .co.jp domain per corporation.

Each Japanese corporation is allowed to register one .co.jp domain.

This limitation prevents companies from monopolizing .co.jp domain names, ensuring fair access to domain registrations for all businesses.

The .jp domain doesn’t have restrictions on the number of registrations per registrant.

3. All information will be public on JPRS.

When registering for a .jp domain, all information during the registration process will be public and accessible on the Japan Registry Service (JPRS) database.

This information will include the company name, contact details, and registration date.

A lot of transparency and accountability through the JPRS contributes to the integrity and trustworthiness of having a .jp domain.

Can I buy a .jp domain?

Individuals or organizations can buy a .jp domain if they reside in Japan, as the registrant contact must be in Japan.

How to register a .jp domain

Anyone, whether an individual or an organization, can register a .jp domain name as long as they meet these three requirements.

1. Permanent postal address in Japan

Anyone applying for a .jp domain, including a company, needs a permanent postal address in Japan. 

MailMate: Japanese address for domain registration

MailMate’s virtual address service is a practical solution for obtaining a .jp domain without a physical address in Japan.

Legitimate postal address

MailMate provides a genuine postal address required for .jp domain registration, ensuring compliance with Japanese domain regulations.

Mail handling service

If you decide to incorporate your business in Japan while abroad, you can view your business mail online with MailMate’s dashboard. 

MailMate’s dashboard is like an email inbox where you can sort, organize, and tag your mail. 

Additionally, you can open, forward, and shred your mail with a click of a button to manage your mail even when you are not in Japan. 

Bilingual support

MailMate offers bilingual support in Japanese and English, making it easier for non-Japanese speakers to navigate in their business venture or general Japanese mail questions.

2. Documentation proof

When applying for a .jp domain, you will provide documentation to verify your identity, which may include proof of address, articles of incorporation, identification documents, and business registration certificates.

3. Know Japanese

Registering for a .jp domain is done through an accredited Japanese registrar. All communication will be in Japanese, so knowing the language when applying is best.

Where do you buy a .jp domain?

Some international registrars do offer .jp domains. However, they are more expensive than the upcoming list.

To help you, here are the top 3 Japanese registrars to get a .jp domain.

1. Onamae.com

Onamae.com is the largest domain registration service in Japan. You can even choose from over 540 types of domains for whichever purpose, and their management tools can easily set up other services for security purposes.

It will cost ¥0 to register for a .jp domain and ¥1,276 to renew. 

2. Star Domain

Star Domain is a simple management system to obtain a .jp domain.

If you are starting a new website that wants a .jp domain, it can be as low as ¥1,280. But for those transferring or updating their domains, then it can start at ¥1,300.

One bonus thing is that for every domain you get, a server can be added free of charge. So it is recommended for those wanting to launch a home start with low costs.

3. Value-Domain

Value-Domain’s pricing is on the pricier side for .jp domains. Their registration fee for a .jp domain is ¥2,035, while their renewal fee is ¥3,803.

Despite the price, you can integrate your rental servers and domain registration services into one provider for more efficient control and maintenance.

2 common .jp domain to pick

There are many different types of .jp domains that you can apply for, but here we will explain the top two common Japanese domains that people use.

1. General use: .jp

A .jp domain has the most general use for a domain with the least restrictions.

The only requirement is that the individual, group, or organization needs a permanent add

2. Companies registered in Japan: .co.jp

A .co.jp domain is for a registered or limited company in Japan. 

Thus, your company needs an official corporate registration in Japan to have a .co.jp domain. A non-Japanese company registered as "Gaikoku Kaisha" can also apply, but there might be extra steps to take.

.jp Domain vs. .com: Which Should You Choose for Japan?

For businesses targeting Japanese customers, the choice between a .jp domain and a .com domain has real implications for search visibility, brand trust, and registration requirements.

The practical answer for most foreign businesses: Register both. Secure your .com for global use and your .jp to protect your brand in the Japanese market and strengthen local search visibility. The cost of registering a .jp domain is low enough that failing to secure it while building a Japan presence is an unnecessary risk.

Frequently asked questions

What is a .jp domain?

A .jp domain is Japan's country-code top-level domain (ccTLD), administered by the Japan Registry Services (JPRS) and used to establish a business presence or personal website associated with Japan. The .jp domain was introduced in 1986 and is one of the most established ccTLDs in the world alongside domains from China (.cn), India (.in), and Taiwan (.tw). It signals to search engines and users that a website is associated with Japan, making it the default choice for businesses targeting the Japanese market. All .jp domain registrations are managed through JPRS-accredited registrars and recorded in the JPRS Whois database, which is publicly accessible.

What is the difference between a second level domain and a third level domain in Japan?

A second level .jp domain sits directly beneath .jp (example: yourbusiness.jp), while a third level domain adds a category identifier between your name and .jp (example: yourbusiness.co.jp). Second level .jp domains have the fewest restrictions and are available to any registrant with an address in Japan. Third level registrations such as .co.jp, .or.jp, and .ac.jp have varying rules depending on your organization type. For example, .co.jp requires a registered Japanese corporation, while .or.jp is reserved for non-profit organizations. Understanding the distinction between second level and third level is essential before beginning the registration process, as applying for the wrong category will result in rejection.

Can non-Japanese companies register a .jp domain?

A: Yes, non-Japanese companies can register a general .jp domain as long as they have a valid address in Japan. The registrant contact must be based in Japan, but the organization itself does not need to be a Japanese corporation for a general .jp registration. For a .co.jp third level domain, however, a registered Japanese corporation is required. Non-Japanese companies that have established a Kabushiki Kaisha (KK), Godo Kaisha (GK), or registered branch office in Japan qualify for .co.jp registration. Foreign companies without a Japanese corporate registration are limited to the general .jp second level name until their Japan corporation is established.

Do I need a Japanese mailing address to register a .jp domain?

Yes. A permanent Japanese mailing address is a mandatory requirement for all .jp domain registrations regardless of domain type. The address is used as the registrant contact in the JPRS Whois database and must be a real, deliverable address in Japan. A virtual office address is accepted for this purpose, provided it is a legitimate postal address that can receive official correspondence. P.O. boxes are not accepted. For foreign businesses without a physical office in Japan, a virtual address service offering a genuine Japanese mailing address is the most practical solution for meeting this registration requirement.

What information is made public in the JPRS Whois database?

When you register a .jp domain, your registrant contact information is recorded in the JPRS Whois database and made publicly accessible to anyone on the internet. This includes your registered address in Japan, organization name, contact details, registration date, and expiration date. Unlike some international registrars that offer Whois privacy protection, JPRS does not provide a privacy shield for .jp domain registrations. This means the address you submit becomes publicly visible. For businesses and individuals who prefer not to expose their personal or primary business address, using a virtual office address as your registered address is a practical way to maintain a local presence while protecting your primary contact details.

How much does a .jp domain cost?

A: The cost of a .jp domain varies by registrar, but registration fees typically range from ¥0 to ¥2,035 and annual renewal fees range from ¥1,276 to ¥3,803. Onamae.com, the largest domain registration service in Japan, currently offers .jp domain registration at ¥0 with a renewal fee of ¥1,276. Star Domain charges approximately ¥1,280 for new registrations and ¥1,300 for transfers. Value-Domain charges ¥2,035 to register and ¥3,803 to renew, but integrates domain and hosting management into one service. International registrars outside Japan do offer .jp domains but typically at a higher price than Japanese registrars. Always confirm current pricing directly with your chosen registrar before registering, as fees are subject to change.

How do I transfer a .jp domain to a different registrar?

Transferring a .jp domain to a different registrar requires an authorization code from your current registrar and must be initiated through the receiving registrar's transfer process. Contact your current registrar to request the transfer authorization code, then submit it to the new registrar along with your registrant details. JPRS requires that the registrant information remains consistent during a transfer. If your address in Japan or organization details have changed, update them with your current registrar before initiating the transfer to avoid rejection. Transfers cannot be initiated within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer, which is a standard ICANN policy that applies to .jp domains.

How long does .jp domain registration take?

A general .jp domain registration is typically completed within 1 to 3 business days after submitting your application and documentation through an accredited registrar. Third level domain registrations such as .co.jp may take longer because JPRS verifies corporate registration status before approving the domain. The total timeline depends on how quickly your registrar submits the application to JPRS and how promptly you provide the required documentation. Once registered, DNS propagation across the internet typically takes 24 to 48 hours before your site is consistently accessible worldwide.

Can I register a .jp domain in Japanese characters?

Yes. Japan supports Internationalized Domain Names (IDN), which allow .jp domains to be written in Japanese characters including kanji, hiragana, and katakana. For example, a domain can be registered entirely in kanji rather than using romanized characters. These Japanese character domains are particularly useful for businesses targeting Japanese-speaking customers who are more likely to search and type in Japanese. IDN .jp domains follow the same registration rules and address requirements as standard .jp domains. When written in a URL, Japanese character domains are encoded in a format called Punycode, which converts the Japanese characters into an ASCII-compatible format that internet infrastructure can process.

Should I register a .jp domain or a .com domain for my Japan business?

For businesses targeting the Japanese market, registering both is the safest and most strategic approach. A .jp domain sends a strong geotargeting signal to Google for searches conducted in Japan, builds trust among Japanese customers who associate .jp with a committed local presence, and protects your brand name in the Japanese domain namespace. A .com domain remains important for global reach and is recognized worldwide. The cost of registering a .jp domain is low enough that leaving your brand name unprotected in the .jp namespace while building a Japan presence is an unnecessary risk. Competitors or third parties can register your brand as a .jp domain if you do not secure it first, which creates both a trademark problem and a customer confusion problem.

What happens if my .jp domain expires?

If a .jp domain is not renewed before its expiration date, it enters a grace period during which the registrant can still renew it, typically at a higher cost. After the grace period ends, the domain is released back into the pool of available domains and can be registered by anyone with a Japanese address. JPRS does not guarantee extended redemption periods, so failing to renew on time risks permanently losing your domain name. Setting up automatic renewal with your registrar is strongly recommended, particularly for businesses whose website and email are tied to their .jp domain. If you receive renewal notices in Japanese and need help understanding them, a bilingual mail management service can translate and flag these notices before the expiration date.

Can I protect my trademark by registering a .jp domain?

Registering a .jp domain that matches your trademark is an important but not legally sufficient form of brand protection in Japan. Securing your brand name as a .jp domain prevents straightforward cases of domain squatting, where third parties register your brand name to resell it or divert your customers. However, domain registration through JPRS does not constitute trademark registration. For full legal protection of your brand name in Japan, you must register your trademark separately with the Japan Patent Office (JPO). Businesses entering the Japanese market are advised to pursue both .jp domain registration and JPO trademark registration simultaneously, as either one alone leaves a gap in your brand protection strategy.

Is a .jp domain required to do business in Japan?

A: No, a .jp domain is not legally required to do business in Japan, but it is strongly recommended for businesses that want to establish credibility and visibility in the Japanese market. Many foreign companies operating in Japan use a .com domain successfully, particularly if their primary customer base is international. However, Japanese consumers and business partners tend to associate a .jp domain with a genuine local presence and commitment to the Japanese market. For businesses selling directly to Japanese customers, running Japanese-language content, or competing with local Japanese companies, a .jp domain provides a meaningful trust and search visibility advantage over a generic .com or other international extension.

How do I set up hosting for a .jp domain?

After registering your .jp domain, you connect it to a hosting server by updating your domain's nameserver settings through your registrar's management dashboard. Your hosting provider will supply the nameserver addresses, which you enter in your domain's DNS settings. Changes to nameserver settings take 24 to 48 hours to propagate across the internet. Some Japanese registrars such as Value-Domain offer integrated hosting and domain management, allowing you to manage both your domain registration and server from one interface. For registrars that do not include hosting, any international hosting provider that supports custom nameservers is compatible with a .jp domain. There is no requirement to use a Japan-based hosting server for a .jp domain, though hosting your site on a server located in Japan can provide a minor additional speed advantage for Japanese visitors.

In closing

Understanding how the .jp domain can help you improve your online standing in the Japanese market. With proper knowledge about the registration process and the requirements, you’ll be able to obtain a .jp in no time.