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.
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.