Search Japan Public Records

Use the databases listed on this page. Each Japan government office maintains its own records separately. There is no single database for all Japan public records.

Start with the strategy box at the top of this page. It tells you which Japan databases to search and in what order. Don't guess which system to use — each record type has its own office and database.

Many Japan government databases are free. Some charge fees for certified copies or detailed searches. Every source on this page is verified and links directly to an official portal.

No. Criminal records in Japan are not publicly accessible. There is no online criminal record search and no equivalent of U.S. county court case lookups. Criminal background checks are conducted only by police for specific regulated industries.

The koseki is Japan’s family register system. It records births, deaths, marriages, divorces, and family relationships. Access is restricted to the registered person, their spouse, and direct relatives. Third parties cannot search koseki records without a court order.