Current JPRS rules checked 14 August 2026
A general-use .jp domain requires a registrant with an address in Japan where JPRS notices can be received
That is different from co.jp and other organisation-type names. A co.jp domain is for a qualifying company registered in Japan and is generally limited to one per organisation. Confirm the exact category before ordering.
Which type of JP domain fits the registrant?
| Type | Typical eligible registrant | Registration limit |
|---|---|---|
| example.jp | An individual, organisation or group with a Japanese address that can receive JPRS notices | No general limit on the number of general-use .jp names |
| example.prefecture.jp | An individual or organisation with a Japanese address, using a prefecture-type name | No general limit stated by JPRS |
| example.co.jp | A company registered in Japan that meets the co.jp category rules | Generally one per qualifying organisation |
| example.or.jp | A qualifying incorporated association, foundation or other eligible organisation | Generally one per qualifying organisation |
| example.ac.jp | A qualifying Japanese higher-education or academic institution | Category rules and one-organisation principle apply |
| example.go.jp | An eligible Japanese government body | Restricted category rules apply |
JPRS also defines other organisation-type namespaces. Use its current JP domain types and eligibility page when the required name is not a general .jp.
What does the Japanese-address requirement mean?
Individual registrant
The registrant needs an address in Japan at which the required notices can be received. Enter accurate identity and contact information.
Organisation registrant
The organisation needs an appropriate Japanese head office, branch, office or comparable permanent location for a general .jp.
Overseas business
A foreign company may qualify for a general .jp if it has a suitable office or branch address in Japan. A purely overseas address does not meet the rule.
Organisation-type name
A co.jp or another category needs the corresponding Japanese registration or organisational status, not merely a contact address.
Which details or documents may be requested?
Registrant identity
Full legal name and the correct individual or organisation type, entered consistently with supporting records.
Japanese address
A complete address capable of receiving the notices required by the general-use registration rules.
Contact information
A current email address, telephone number and authorised registration contact who can act on renewal, transfer and verification.
Category evidence
For co.jp or another organisation-type namespace, company or institutional records proving the registrant meets that category.
JPRS may require evidence when reviewing the accuracy, identity, authority or eligibility behind an application. Make sure the person submitting information has permission from the relevant data subjects and organisation.
Which characters can a .jp domain use?
| Name type | Characters | Length |
|---|---|---|
| ASCII general-use .jp | Latin letters, digits and hyphens, subject to the technical placement rules | 3 to 63 characters in the label |
| Japanese general-use .jp | Supported Japanese scripts and specified marks, with the registry’s normalisation rules | 1 to 15 characters in the Japanese label |
| Organisation-type ASCII name | Latin letters, digits and hyphens | 3 to 63 characters in the label |
| Organisation-type Japanese name | Not available in the same way as a general-use Japanese .jp label | Not applicable |
Uppercase and lowercase are treated as the same domain. Before choosing a Japanese internationalised name, test whether the intended website, email and customer software support it reliably. See the official JPRS character guide.
How should you prepare a .jp application?
- 1Choose the correct namespace
Decide whether the registrant needs general .jp, co.jp or another category before searching.
- 2Confirm eligibility
Verify the Japanese address, organisational status and any one-name-per-organisation limit.
- 3Check the exact string
Search availability and confirm the spelling, character type and any conflicting rights.
- 4Prepare accurate records
Use matching legal, address and contact data and gather any company or category evidence.
- 5Review provider terms
Check registration and renewal pricing, VAT, validation, local-presence responsibilities and transfer support.
- 6Respond to verification
Complete any registry or provider request promptly and keep the Japanese eligibility information current.
What should you check after registration?
Registrant and status
Confirm the registry record identifies the intended registrant and that the domain is active.
DNS and services
A registration alone does not create a website or mailbox. Configure suitable DNS, hosting and email separately.
Renewal responsibility
Record the renewal date, normal renewal price and person responsible for the registrar account and payment method.
Continuing eligibility
Update the provider if the Japanese address, company status, local contact or other qualifying information changes.
.jp registration questions
Can a UK resident register a .jp domain?
Not with only a UK address. A general-use .jp registrant must have a qualifying address in Japan at which JPRS notices can be received.
Can a foreign company register .jp?
It may qualify for a general .jp if it has a suitable office, branch or comparable location in Japan. Confirm the current evidence and provider process before ordering.
Can a foreign company register co.jp?
A co.jp name requires the company to meet that Japanese organisation category, normally including registration in Japan. A Japanese contact address alone is not the same qualification.
How many .jp domains can one registrant hold?
General-use .jp names have no general numerical limit. Organisation-type domains such as co.jp are generally limited to one for each qualifying organisation.
Can I register a Japanese-language .jp?
General-use .jp supports Japanese labels under JPRS character and length rules. Check application, browser and email compatibility before relying on one.
Where are the controlling rules?
JPRS publishes the current JP domain rules. Those rules and the applicable provider agreement control the registration.
Confirm the category before the name
Use the correct Japanese presence and organisation details for the .jp type you need
Search availability only after confirming eligibility, evidence, renewal responsibility and the exact JPRS namespace.