Japan’s land and company registries are public, but all official records are in Japanese and require a government fee to obtain. Below is an outline of the support offered for overseas clients interested in Japanese real estate or corporate information.
Property registry (Real estate registration certificate)
- Obtaining certified copies of Japanese real estate registration certificate (不動産登記簿謄本) for properties anywhere in Japan, including condos, houses, land and commercial buildings.
- Explaining the legal meaning of each entry (ownership, mortgages, liens, easements, etc.) with reference to the Japanese Real Estate Registration Act, so you can understand the legal status and risks of the property.
- Providing English translations of the registry records, drafted by a Japanese judicial scrivener familiar with real estate transactions and legal terminology.
Land map (Kouzu)
- Obtaining land maps (公図) that show the outline and location of land parcels recorded in the registry.
- Because these maps are graphic documents, a full “translation” is not possible; instead, key information in English may be provided if you wish, such as lot numbers, neighboring parcels and basic location notes, so you can connect the map to the legal description in the registry.
Company registry (Commercial registration certificate)
- Obtaining certified copies of Japanese company registry records (商業登記簿謄本), including information on company name, head office address, directors, representatives, capital and corporate history.
- Translating into English the main sections of the registry so that overseas investors, partners or compliance teams can understand the company’s official status under Japanese law.
- This service is available for various entities, including stock companies (株式会社), limited liability companies (合同会社) and other registered organizations.
Legal explanations and commentary
- After obtaining the registry, if you would like, the content is reviewed and explained in English based on the Japanese Real Estate Registration Act and Companies Act, so you understand what each item means in practice.
- Clarification can be provided on issues such as:
- Who legally owns the property
- Existing mortgages, pledges or other encumbrances
- Changes in directors, capital or head office
- The goal is to help overseas clients make informed decisions when purchasing property, entering into transactions or conducting due diligence in Japan.
Under Japan’s Commercial Registration Act, shareholders are not listed in the commercial registration certificate. Therefore, there is no way to know who the shareholders are through official documents.
For listed companies, you can check the top 10 shareholders on the company’s website or securities report. For unlisted companies, it is difficult to check, but in rare cases they may be published on the company’s website.
If you are considering buying real estate in Japan or need reliable information on a Japanese company, feel free to enquire with the property address or company name, and support will be provided on obtaining, translating and explaining the relevant registration certificate.
