Financial Crime World

Accessing Corporate Registry Information in Japan

Overview

The Japanese corporate registry system is maintained by the Ministry of Justice. This report provides an overview of how foreign authorities can access information on Japanese legal entities, relevant individuals, and other sources.

Corporate Registry System

  • Responsibility: The Japanese Ministry of Justice is responsible for maintaining the company registry.
  • Sanctions: Sanctions are available for false statements or failure to complete required registrations.
  • Record Changes: Changes to a company’s records must be notified and made by the registry within two weeks (Article 915(1) of the Companies Act).

Online Access

  • Available Information: Some information, such as:
    • Name of legal entity
    • Entity number
    • Type of legal entity
    • Date of incorporation
    • Current status
    • Principal address of business
    • Registered capital
    • Officer/director information is available online for free or a nominal fee without requiring login credentials.

Other Channels

  • Interviews and Records: Foreign authorities can access information on legal entities and relevant individuals through:
    • Interviews with relevant individuals (possible in some cases)
    • Records/documents (possible in some cases)
  • Information Sharing Inquiry: Information sharing inquiry and mutual legal assistance requests are possible, but depend on the case.
  • Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions: Financial institutions, trust and company service providers, and other designated non-financial businesses and professions can also provide information through interviews with personnel or access to records/documents.
  • MLAT Framework: Japan has a framework for mutual legal assistance in criminal matters (MLAT) and mutual administrative assistance agreements (MAAA).
  • Ministry of Justice Website: The Ministry of Justice website provides an overview of Japan’s MLAT system and relevant laws and treaties.
  • Asset Recovery Guides: Foreign jurisdictions can request assistance from Japan to recover assets that are the proceeds of crime, as described in the Asset Recovery Guides -Japan.