2025/7/14 01:33
How to search company registry / corporate number in japan
When searching for information on Japanese companies, the Japanese government provides several official online resources.
These platforms offer a range of data, from basic corporate details to comprehensive legal and financial information.
This article introduces and compares three key government websites for accessing Japanese company registry data: the National Tax Agency's Corporate Number Publication Site, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's gBizINFO, and the Ministry of Justice's Touki & Kyoutaku Online Application System.
Each site, operated by a different government agency, offers distinct features, data sets, and functionalities tailored to specific use cases, from simple identity verification to in-depth legal due diligence.
Understanding the capabilities and limitations of each is crucial for effectively gathering the corporate information you need.
Government Websites for Searching Japanese Company Registry
Features | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Site Owner | |||
Cost | Free | Free | Paid |
Application, Confirmation & Receipt Methods | Online | Online | Apply online and receive it at the counter or via mail in Japan |
Basic Data | - Corporate Number | - Corporate Number | - Legal Registration Details |
Key Advanced Data | None | - Subsidy | - Executives |
Data Freshness | Monthly updates (daily diffs, etc.) | Update Stopped from June 2025 until January 2026 (Currently under update) | Real-time |
Legal Validity Of Output | Informational only | Informational only | Legally Valid |
Main Use Cases | - Rapid Identity Verification | - Business Intelligence | - Legal Due Diligence |
Corporate Number Publication Site by National Tax Agency
This site is the “Corporate Number Publication Site” run by Japan’s National Tax Agency.
You can do the following here:
Search for corporations – Find a Japanese company’s 13-digit Corporate Number by entering its trade name, legal name, address, and so on, or by typing the number directly.
Advanced search – Narrow results with detailed filters such as corporation type (e.g., kabushiki-gaisha, gōdō-gaisha), update history, or whether the registration has been closed.
Bulk search – Look up multiple Corporate Numbers at once.
The site also offers explanatory pages—like “What is a Corporate Number?”—and a helpful FAQ section, making it a useful resource whenever you need information about Japan’s Corporate Number system.
https://www.houjin-bangou.nta.go.jp/en/
Important note: Search results on the English page will only display companies that have registered their information in English. (Most of Japanese Companies does not register English Page)
gBizINFO by Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)
Updates ran from June 2025 through January 2026 and have been on hold ever since, so keep that in mind.
This website is “gBizINFO,” a government portal operated by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
gBizINFO aggregates corporate data held by various ministries and makes it freely available as open data. Specifically, you can:
Search corporate information – Look up a company’s basic and operational details by entering its Corporate Number or name.
Access diverse datasets – View cross-ministerial information in one place, including financial statements (Financial Services Agency), filings and certifications (Digital Agency), workplace data (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare), and more.
Leverage the data – Not only can you browse the information online, you can also download datasets or integrate them into other systems via API.
In short, gBizINFO centralizes and openly provides a wide range of corporate information to support business and social activities.
The Touki & Kyoutaku Online Application System by Ministry of Justice
This is the official website of the “The Touki & Kyoutaku Online Application System” run by Japan’s Ministry of Justice—nicknamed “Tōki-net” for registrations and “Kyōtaku-net” for deposits.
By using this portal, you can complete a variety of procedures online from your home or office computer, without visiting a Legal Affairs Bureau counter.
Applications / requests
File registration applications for real-estate titles, commercial or corporate matters, adult guardianship, and more
Request certified copies of registry records (registry transcripts) or seal-impression certificates
Deposit money or securities electronically
Inquiries
Track the processing status of your submitted applications
Perform a trade-name search to verify that no other company has already registered the same name
Filing methods
“Easy Certificate Request” – a simple browser-based workflow for ordering certificates
Comprehensive Application Software – dedicated desktop software you install when submitting full registration or deposit filings
Some procedures even carry reduced fees when completed online, offering an extra benefit for using the system.
Back