To search for a company number in Japan, you can follow multiple methods leveraging various databases and official resources. Here are the steps summarized for your convenience:
National Tax Agency’s Corporate Number Database
The National Tax Agency (NTA) database provides the most straightforward method to search for a corporate number, known as the Japanese Corporate Number (JCN).
Steps:
1. Visit the NTA Corporate Number Page: Go to https://www.houjin-bangou.nta.go.jp/ or https://www.houjin-bangou.nta.go.jp/en/ website.
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)
2. Search by Company Name: You have the option to search using the corporate name (either in kanji or kana), location, or the corporate number itself.
3. Download Bulk Data: You can download a full list of registered companies from the NTA site in CSV, XML, or JSON formats for offline analysis.
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Database
The METI database is another valuable resource to verify company information in Japan.
Steps:
1. Visit the METI Website: Go to https://info.gbiz.go.jp/ website.
2. Corporate Number Search: Use the “Corporate Number Search” feature.
Enter the company name (in Japanese or English) and review the details such as registration number, date of establishment, capital, directors, and office address.
Online Company Search Services
Multiple platforms offer detailed company research and due diligence services, such as AsiaVerify and other databases.
AsiaVerify:
Offers a comprehensive and compliant KYB (Know Your Business) search tool.
Ideal for in-depth checks for business verification, onboarding, and monitoring.
Other Databases:
Various databases can be used for cross-referencing, such as Nikkei and Teikoku Databank.
These databases often allow detailed searches using company names, locations, and financial information.
Japan Corporate Registry System
For official registration details, use the Commercial and Corporate Registry system.
Steps:
1. Access the Registry: Go to https://www1.touki.or.jp/gateway.html for commercial and corporate registry information.
2. Search for Information: You can perform searches by company name, using kana for phonetic searches, or directly using the 12-digit company registration number.
The system also provides detailed search guide and conditions to ensure accurate results are fetched.
Japan Business Platform Company Registry Information Retrieval Service
Upon receiving the necessary input, we will retrieve the relevant registration details of the company and provide a translated version in English.
Required Information of target company
- Company Name
- Head Office Address
- Corporate Number(if available)
- Company’s URL(if available)
Information Provided
- Corporate Number
- Company Name (including previous names and the corresponding change dates, if applicable)
- Head Office Address (including previous addresses and the corresponding change dates, if applicable)
- Date of Incorporation
- Business Objectives (including previous objectives and the corresponding change dates, if applicable)
- Authorized Share Capital
- Total Issued Shares, including types and quantities
- Provision regarding the issuance of share certificates
- Amount of Capital
- Provisions concerning restrictions on share transfers
- Details on Corporate Officers
- Information pertaining to companies with a Board of Directors
- Information pertaining to companies with Statutory Auditors
- Other registered matters
Acquisition Methods and Fees
Type A. Internet-based Information
- Issuing Authority: Japan Association of Certified Public Judicial Scriveners
- Legal Validity: Does not possess legal certification
- Fee: USD 55 (includes retrieval and translation)
- Delivery Time: 2–3 business days
Type B. Information Obtained from the Legal Affairs Bureau
- Issuing Authority: Legal Affairs Bureau
- Legal Validity: Legally certified
- Fee: USD 300 (includes retrieval and translation certification by a certified translator and administrative scrivener for up to three pages)
- Delivery Time: 15 business days
Normally, Type A and Type B have the same information, and the only difference is legal validity.
Therefore, if you prioritize speed, please choose Type A, and if you prioritize legal validity, please choose Type B.
Also, please note that if changes notification regarding registration details has been submitted, it may take about one month before the updated information becomes available.
If you have any questions or require further clarification, please feel free to contact us.
Summary
To effectively search for a company number in Japan, use the National Tax Agency for direct corporate number searches, METI for detailed company information, and other specialized databases for comprehensive analyses. Each method serves specific needs, from simple lookups to extensive due diligence.
By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you can access accurate and up-to-date company information in Japan.