.jp Domain Registrationfrom £96.34/yr
Why Choose a .jp Domain?
.jp is the country-code top-level domain for Japan, operated by Japan Registry Services (JPRS) since 2002 when JPRS took over from JPNIC. It signals a clear connection to the Japanese market and is one of the most trusted ccTLDs globally, with strict registration requirements that keep the namespace clean. For businesses targeting Japanese consumers or operating within Japan, a .jp address carries genuine local authority that generic TLDs simply cannot match.
Ideal for:
- Companies with a registered presence or office in Japan
- International brands launching Japanese-language websites
- E-commerce stores shipping to Japanese customers
- Tourism operators marketing trips to Japan
- Subsidiaries of foreign firms operating locally
Things to know:
- General-use .jp domains require the registrant to have a postal address in Japan. If you don't have one, a local agent or trustee service is typically needed.
- JPRS also offers regional and organisational variants such as co.jp (companies), or.jp (organisations) and ne.jp (network providers), each with their own stricter eligibility rules.
- Registration terms for .jp are typically one year only — multi-year registrations are not supported by the registry.
- WHOIS data for .jp is publicly displayed and privacy services are generally not permitted by the registry.
Creative .jp Domain Ideas
- Sakura.jp — a seasonal travel guide for cherry blossom season
- Ramen.jp — a directory of regional ramen shops
- Tokyo-Studio.jp — a creative agency based in Shibuya
- Kyoto-Crafts.jp — an online shop for traditional artisan goods
- Anime-News.jp — a Japanese-language entertainment site
- Tech-Osaka.jp — a co-working space and startup hub
Frequently asked questions about .jp
To register a general .jp domain you must have a postal address in Japan. Individuals and organisations both qualify, but registrants outside Japan typically need to use a local trustee or designated agent service to satisfy the requirement. Specialised second-level variants like co.jp have additional rules, such as proof of company registration in Japan.
JPRS only supports one-year registration terms for .jp domains. Unlike many other TLDs, you cannot pre-pay for multiple years up front. You will need to renew annually to keep the domain active, so it's worth setting a calendar reminder or enabling auto-renewal to avoid losing it.
Yes, .jp domains can be transferred between accredited registrars. The process uses an authorisation code from your current provider rather than the standard EPP transfer flow used by most gTLDs. The registrant address-in-Japan requirement still applies after transfer, so make sure your contact details remain compliant.
No. JPRS publishes registrant contact details in the public WHOIS and does not generally permit privacy or proxy services on .jp domains. If you are concerned about exposing personal information, consider using a business address or a trustee service rather than your home details when registering.
After expiry, a .jp domain enters a hold period during which it stops resolving but can still be renewed by the original registrant. If it is not recovered within the registry grace window, the domain is released and becomes available for anyone eligible to register. Renewing on time is by far the safest option.