GENERAL FAQ

01What is a domain name?

A domain name is a word or combination of words used to uniquely identify a website or server on the internet, such as www.example.osaka

02Why do .Osaka domain names exist?

ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), the non-profit organization charged with managing the global domain name system, allowed organizations to apply for and secure new TLDs to offer Internet users greater consumer choice and opportunities for innovation. As a result, Osaka now has its very own TLD!

03Who can register a .osaka domain name?

The Registry requires the registrant have a connection to the Osaka Community. This “connection”, is called a “Nexus” and is described in the Nexus policy. A Nexus is required in order to establish and maintain a dedicated Internet namespace to serve the Osaka Community.

To register a domain name under the .OSAKA Top-Level Domain at any stage in the launch (i.e. Sunrise, Landrush or General Availability) the Registrant (person or entity) must meet the Nexus Requirement. Eligible registrants include, but are not limited to:

  1. Osaka municipalities and local governments
  2. Public and private institutions in Osaka Area
  3. Organizations, companies, and other businesses/entities in Osaka
  4. Residents of Osaka
  5. Others who have a legitimate purpose for registering and using a [.osaka] domain
04How/where do I register a .osaka domain name?

Domain names can be registered via accredited registrars that have signed a contract with the Osaka Registry A full list of these is available at http://domain.osaka/en/registrars

05Is a list of selling partners (registrars) available?

Yes please see the following page for list of Registrar Partners: http://domain.osaka/en/registrars

06When can I buy an .osaka domain name?

Trademark holders can register in the Sunrise Period (Feb. 9th to Mar. 11). If you do not have a trademark, you can register your domain as early as Mar. 19th. (Please note that changes in the scheduling of each registration phase may occur.)

07What are the technical requirements for a domain registration?
  • The string may not begin with a hyphen (-)
  • The string may not contain a hyphen in both the 3rd and 4th positions unless it is a valid Internationalized Domain Name
  • The string must contain a minimum of two characters and may be a maximum of 63 characters in length
08What is the maximum term of a .Osaka domain name

Domain names can hold a registration term of up to 10 years.

09Why is the domain name I want showing as unavailable?

.There are a few reasons why the name your are trying to register shows as “not available:

a. Some names have been designated as “Premium” and will be released by the registry at a later date. Please refer back to this page often for updates regarding a possible release.
b. Some names have been blocked by ICANN, the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers for technical reasons.
c. Some names have been blocked by the Registry and the Osaka Government.
d. Someone else may have already registered your name (you can check the whois information for registered names here: www.whois.nic.osaka.

10How much does a .osaka name cost?

Prices are set by registrars and will differ based on the registrar. In addition names that carry a premium value are priced higher than others.

Registrar / Selling Partner FAQ
11How do I become a Registrar or selling partner?

To sell .osaka names to the general public your company must be an ICANN Accredited Registrar and sign an agreement with Interlink Co., Ltd. or work with with an existing accredited registrar. To sign up or request information on how to become a registrar, please fill out an inquiry form.

12Where can I find .Osaka registration policies?

Osaka registration policies can be found at the following link: http://domain.osaka/en/legal

13Do you have a logo and/or other marketing materials for partners?

Yes, please send us an inquiry and will work with you to provide the necessary files

14What is the start and end date of each launch phase?

The launch phases including the launch start/end times are located on the top page.

15How are domain allocated in each phase?

Domain registrations in all phases will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

16What is the Nexus Requirement (Eligibility Requirements)?

The Nexus Requirement is a policy that requires the registrant have a connection to the Osaka Community. This “connection”, or Nexus is required in order to establish and maintain a dedicated Internet namespace to serve the Osaka Community. To register a domain name under the .OSAKA Top-Level Domain at any stage in the launch (i.e. Sunrise, Landrush or General Availability) the Registrant (person or entity) must meet the Nexus Requirement. Eligible registrants include, but are not limited to:

  1. Osaka municipalities and local governments
  2. Public and private institutions in Osaka Area
  3. Organizations, companies, and other businesses/entities in Osaka
  4. Residents of Osaka
  5. Others who have a legitimate purpose for registering and using a “.osaka” domain
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